Manuel Castelles belongs to a school of
- Semiotics
- Development media
- Positivism
- Critical Theory
Correct Ans: (D)
Explanation:
Manuel Castells belongs to the Critical Theory school. He approaches communication with a focus on power, society, and structure. Unlike other theorists, he digs deep into how networks shape real-world control. He doesn’t just describe changes—he questions who benefits from them.
Castells believes media systems influence how power spreads. That belief fits Critical Theory perfectly. This school always challenges social norms. It doesn’t accept systems as neutral. Instead, it asks who controls them and why.
His work, especially The Rise of the Network Society, shows this clearly. In it, Castells explains how digital networks affect politics, culture, and daily life. He shows how some people gain power through these systems. At the same time, others get pushed aside. He never ignores these imbalances.
In addition, Castells focuses on how communication shapes identity. He argues that media doesn’t just reflect society—it builds it. That idea goes beyond surface-level analysis. It pushes readers to think critically about every message they consume.
Furthermore, Castells always connects theory with real-world examples. He talks about global protests, online movements, and digital surveillance. These examples make his ideas more relatable and impactful.
Overall, Castells does more than study media. He questions its role in power and control. That critical approach places him firmly within the Critical Theory school. His work continues to guide media scholars worldwide.
