Critical Race Theories

These theories maintain many similarities with gender theories. It recognizes the existence of racism in the different stages of society. Critical race theories assess the existence of racist policies and beliefs in existing structures. Examples of these power structures are the judicial system, the legal system or the educational system, where it is common to find elements of supremacy or privilege of the white race.

The video of the Ted talk on intersectionality is very interesting because it exposes a reality that is often ignored. Discrimination does not always manifest in a unique way, but it affects certain groups more severely. The goal must be to achieve equal access to opportunities, providing facilities to any oppressed group.

Feminist, Gender and Gender-Queer Theories

Gender theory is inherently transformative. The emancipating element is always present since they focus on the inequalities existing in society. Feminists do not believe in the existence of a single absolute truth; this is reflected in the emergence of multiple approaches to feminism, with different beliefs and conceptions.

To continue reflecting on these theories, it is necessary to establish basic definitions:

• Sex.- It is marked by biological differences

• Gender.- Focuses on personal and social influences, on orientation.

• Queer.- Individual who rejects heterosexual norms.

The contribution of feminist movements towards equal opportunities regardless of gender status is undeniable. But the work is still far from being definitive. Although the situation has improved markedly in recent years, it is not uncommon to find a case where women receive less compensation than men, even if they develop the same activities.

It was surprising to find that the evolution of feminism has had an abundant proliferation of manifestations with criteria that in some cases are quite contradictory — for example, the dichotomy of radical and liberal feminisms, which seek different objectives. Radical feminism seeks to abolish gender as a subordinating element of women, while the liberal seeks to regulate the differences between both sexes and achieve equity. These differences, what they achieve in the long term is to create ideological divisionism and in some way undermines the efforts of feminist groups.

As a male researcher, it is difficult for me to understand how the position of feminist ideology can be analyzed without being rejected as not being part of the oppressed group. That is, a man will have the same respect and access to information when making use of feminist theories in his research?

Critical Policy Sociology

This week we analyzed an issue that I am convinced will be very important in the development of my research. The analysis of politics goes far beyond a linguistic dissection of words and phrases. An intersectional analysis of the policy is required: that is, its formulation, influences, promulgation and opposition.

In this approach, it is necessary to identify the researcher. The declaration of positionality is mandatory in this type of work. Critical policy researchers are also interested in who says things, who decides what is important or valuable, who can have their voices heard and the voice of those who are considered legitimate.

Stephen Ball is one of the authors that stand out in this type of research. It is interesting that although his work is influenced by Foucault's theories and concepts, he does not consider himself a Foucauldian. Ball believes that politics is seen as a discourse, since politics offers us ways of seeing the world, of doing things; this is the enabling capacity, or also limiting the discourse.

Regarding this topic I will try to summarize those points that can contribute to the development of my research:

·        • Declare my positionality.

·        • Analyze possible abnormal behaviours (deviant) caused by the implementation of the policy.

·        • Identify winners and losers.

·        • Consider the consequences or unintended results of the policy in the field.

Discourse, Power, and the Subject

For Foucault, discourse is a materialization of something that is written or said. If interpretation can last a long time, as well as change repeatedly. While the groups of power establish that the truth is considered, Foucault argues that there is no absolute truth, but that knowledge is what a group of people shares and accepts as true. This truth, in turn, defines what is right and what is wrong, what is normal and what is abnormal.

Those that are considered normal have power over those considered abnormal. The discourse is based on the social practices of defining things by their opposite, for example, the discourse of madness (the bad), produced by experts is used in turn to define sanity (the good), that is to say that if an individual is not crazy, it must mean that he is sane.

Knowledge and power can not be separated. The definition of power that Foucault developed was influenced by the analysis of prisons, as an element of social discipline that later extrapolates to the social sciences in general. He considers that power is not possessed by only a group of people, but that it circulates and acquires a productive role.

Knowledge is freedom. We seek knowledge, and once we acquire it we are free. However, criticism is fundamental and necessary for any transformation. At this point, I believe that in the analysis of the policy that I will carry out in my research, I could use the concept of discourse. Each of the participating universities has its particular interpretation of the guidelines, creating its truth. Considering concepts such as successful university discourse and self-regulation can generate a deeper understanding of the implementation of policy in my country.