The goal of critical theory in communication is deemed to change the existing ________.
(A) administrators
(B) realities
(C) societal priorities
(D) exchange values
Correct Ans: (B)
Explanation:
Critical theory in communication doesn’t just aim to describe media systems or analyze them on the surface. Instead, it goes much deeper. It seeks to challenge and transform existing realities, especially those shaped by dominant ideologies, media ownership, and power structures. So, the main goal is not just to understand communication but to use it as a tool for social change.
This theory emerged from the Frankfurt School, where thinkers like Herbert Marcuse and Theodor Adorno studied how mass media could manipulate people and reinforce capitalist control. They argued that mainstream media often presents a version of reality that benefits the elite and distracts the public from real social issues. Therefore, critical theorists call for awareness, resistance, and ultimately—transformation of the world as it exists.
Critical theory focuses on revealing how media influences public perception, limits dissent, and maintains inequality. It encourages people to question the status quo and imagine a society based on justice, equity, and human freedom.
Now, let’s clarify the incorrect options. Administrators (A) might be part of a structure, but the theory doesn’t focus on swapping individuals—it targets systems. Societal priorities (C) may shift, but they are not the main focus unless rooted in deeper social structures. Exchange values (D), related to economics, are part of the critique, but not the central objective.
Therefore, the best and most accurate answer is realities. That’s what critical theory wants to reshape—by uncovering hidden controls, challenging dominant messages, and promoting alternative voices in media and communication.
In summary, critical theory goes beyond analysis—it fights for a better world. It empowers communicators and scholars to identify oppression, confront media-driven illusions, and change the social realities we live in.
