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This article includes a list of references, related reading or external links, but its sources
remain unclear because it lacks inline citations. Please improve this article by
introducing more precise citations where appropriate. (August 2008)
Critical theory is the examination and critique of society and culture, drawing from knowledge
across the social sciences and humanities. The term has two quite different meanings with
different origins and histories, one originating in social theory and the other in literary criticism.
Though until recently these two meanings had little to do with each other, since the 1970s there
has been some overlap between these disciplines. This has led to "critical theory" becoming an
umbrella term for an array of theories in English-speaking academia. This article focuses
primarily on the differences and similarities between the two senses of the term critical theory.
Contents
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• 1 Two primary definitions
○ 1.1 In social theory
○ 1.2 Postmodern critical theory
○ 1.3 Critical ethnography
○ 1.4 In literary criticism
• 2 Overlap between the two versions of critical theory
○ 2.1 Within social theory
○ 2.2 Within literary theory
• 3 Language and construction
○ 3.1 Language and communication
○ 3.2 Construction
• 4 See also
○ 4.1 Lists
○ 4.2 Related subjects
○ 4.3 Journals related and/or dedicated to Critical Theory
• 5 Footnotes
• 6 References
• 7 External links