Theoretical Frameworks

A theoretical framework can be thought of as a lens that offer the opportunity to view a topic or text from a particular perspective. For example, if class issues interest you because of your experiences working for minimum wage in a factory, you may be inclined to focus on a study of economics in the next book you read. On the other hand, if you are interested in ways that women's gender roles are portrayed in a movie, you may be more inclined to adopt a feminist perspective.

The following four frameworks offer a starting place for developing a critical component for your project.

Gender Theory includes a large zone of inquiry that tends to focus on the constructed nature of gender and its effects on our agency and identity formation.

Class Theory is a large zone of inquiry that tends to focus on how society is shaped by the competing interests of different economic classes of society.

Racial Issues are the focus of a growing area of theoretical inquiry that tend to explore how different cultural experiences, as well as varieties of skin color and racial features, have been privileged or devalued by modern societies. Although there is no real biological basis for "race," it is a phenomenon that inevitably shapes our lives culturally.

Issues of Sexuality focus on the representation of those whose desire is considered marginalized or deviant by some members of mainstream society.

In addition to the frameworks above, there are, of course, other frameworks one might use to analyze a topic. Feel free to explore the Internet and determine a critical framework of your own. In that case, be sure to run your ideas by your instructor before going ahead with your project.