Critical Theory: Maori Theory and Critical Theory Comparison Essay

This essay provides an in-depth analysis of critical theory, particularly focusing on a comparative study between the Kaupapa Maori theory and critical theory rooted in the Frankfurt School. It begins by introducing critical theory as an approach that examines social and cultural aspects of society, emphasizing the need for social change. The essay then explores the Kaupapa Maori theory, originating in Aotearoa, and its emphasis on Maori ideology, contrasting it with the European-based critical theory developed in the 1930s. Despite their geographical and temporal differences, the essay highlights the significant similarities between these two frameworks. The discussion covers the four types of critical theories in literature, including gender, race, psychoanalytical, and post-colonial theories. It also details the six major principles of Kaupapa Maori praxis, such as self-determination, cultural validation, and collective vision. The essay concludes by emphasizing the critical theory's role in raising awareness about social issues and its aim to create a more equitable society. It references key sources to support its arguments, making it a comprehensive resource for understanding these theoretical frameworks.

Running Head: CRITICAL THEORY
CRITICAL THEORY
Name of the Student
Name of the University
Author Note

1CRITICAL THEORY
Introduction
Critical theory is an approach, developed to look into the social and cultural aspect
of the society based on history, literature, culture philosophy and ideological forces.
Critical theories do not specifically follow a definite school of thought but focusses on the
vital social issues pertaining to the present times with a thoughtful demand asking for a social
change.
Discussion
The ‘Kaupapa Maori Theory’ has its roots in Aotearoa, depicting the Maori
ideology — a doctrine in philosophy that incorporates the knowledge, values, skills and
attitudes of the Maori society. In contrast to this, the critical theory has its basis in Europe’s
Frankfurt School, developed in the 1930s (123helpme.com, 2019). Despite these distances
of hundreds of miles and years that separate the two, they feature significant similarities
with each other. The Kaupapa Maori theory and the critical theory are two different
methodological and theoretical frameworks, which contributes towards the agenda of
indigenous development. The Kaupapa Maori theory is majorly a part of the broader scenario
of fight against colonization.
There are majorly four different types of critical theories in literature. These
include the gender theory, race theory, psychoanalytical theory and post-colonial theory.
Critical theories enable a person to form an insightful, meaningful observation and thereby
draw a conclusion, based on effective rationale. While Formalism and New Criticism are
examples of aesthetic criticisms that examines a literary text based on its inherent qualities
and self-contained works, Feminism, New Historicism and Psychoanalytical theories
represent cultural works of exposing and challenging ideologies. The latter studies the
minorities and the marginalized in the context of history and its influences. Besides these,

2CRITICAL THEORY
Marxism and Capitalism represent political theories that interprets and analyzes historical
events with current trends.
There are six major principles in the Kaupapa Maori praxis (Smith, 2015). They are
as the follows—
 principle of Relative Autonomy or Self-determination,
 principle of validation and legitimization of cultural aspirations and its identity,
 principle of incorporation of a pedagogy that is culturally preferred,
 principle of mediation of home and socio-economic difficulties,
 principle of incorporation of a cultural structure that focusses more on the ‘collective’
than the ‘individual’, and
 principle of a collective and shared vision (Aare.edu.au, 2019).
There was an emphasis on creating an indigenous space by giving importance to the
values, beliefs, practices and language of the Maori. Besides this, building capacity,
developing and re-claiming equity takes a foreground along with the problems related to
transformation. The Kaupapa theory was not only critical but also anti-colonial (Pihama,
Tiakiwai, & Southey, 2015).
Conclusion
Thus, the critical theory of learning by interrogation of the society’s contradictions
results in the development of a popular dialect that is closely associated with the works of
many scholars. It is culturally and politically, a neo-Marxist practice, which is intends to
update the socio-historical periods. Critical theories attempt to create an impact on the society
and raise awareness about the social wrongs. It creates a ‘liberating influence’ in order to
create a society that satisfies the basic needs and powers to emancipate these individuals from

3CRITICAL THEORY
slavery. Therefore, it aims to create a ‘real democracy’ with cooperative, transformative and
practical aspects for a consensual form of social life.
References
123helpme.com. (2019). Kaupapa Māori Theory and Critical Theory Essay -- Education,
Philosop. Retrieved 6 August 2019, from https://www.123helpme.com/kaupapa-mori-
theory-and-critical-theory--preview.asp?id=221245
Aare.edu.au. (2019). Retrieved 6 August 2019, from
https://www.aare.edu.au/data/publications/2003/pih03342.pdf
Pihama, L., Tiakiwai, S. J., & Southey, K. (2015). Kaupapa rangahau: A reader. A
collection of readings from the Kaupapa Rangahau workshops series. Te Kotahi
Research Institute.
Smith, G. (2015). The dialectic relation of theory and practice in the development of Kaupapa
Māori praxis. Kaupapa Rangashau: A Reader, 18.

4CRITICAL THEORY