PHI FPX 2000 Assessment 3 Applied Critical Theory
Applied Critical Theory
Critical theory is rooted in the idea that power and control systems perpetuate social inequality and injustice. This paper will use critical theory to analyze the ethical conflicts that arise when Rhonda, a transgender individual, requests that her colleagues use her preferred pronouns and then apply normative theory to resolve these conflicts (Zaharin & Pallotta, 2022). Get PHI FPX 2000 Assessment 3 Applied Critical Theory
Primary Interests of the Stakeholders
Rhonda’s request for her colleagues to use her preferred pronouns presents an ethical conflict involving multiple stakeholders with differing interests. One stakeholder in this scenario is Rhonda herself. Her primary interest is having her gender identity recognized and respected by her colleagues. She wants to be referred to by her preferred pronouns (she/her/hers), an essential aspect of her identity. For Rhonda, this is a matter of self-expression and asserting her agency (Darby et al., 2020). Another stakeholder in this scenario is Phil, the volunteer who refused to use Rhonda’s preferred pronouns. Phil’s primary interest is in maintaining his own beliefs and identity. He has known Rhonda as Randy for eight years, and changing how he refers to her challenges his understanding of gender and identity. Phil may also feel that using Rhonda’s preferred pronouns goes against his beliefs or values (Witt, 2021).
PHI FPX 2000 Assessment 3 Applied Critical Theory
The interests of these two stakeholders are connected in that both are concerned with their identities and beliefs. Rhonda’s request for her preferred pronouns reflects her identity as a transgender woman, while Phil’s refusal to use those pronouns reflects his own opinions about gender and identity. However, the interests of these two stakeholders are also opposed, as Phil’s refusal to use Rhonda’s preferred pronouns undermines Rhonda’s identity and agency. Phil’s insistence on using Rhonda’s former pronouns denies her the recognition and respect she deserves as an individual (Duthie, 2019).
Applications of Critical Theory to the Ethical Conflict
Critical theory is a social theory that seeks to analyze and critique social structures and systems of power and oppression. In Rhonda’s request for her colleagues to use her preferred pronouns, critical theory can provide insights into how power relations and societal norms shape the conflict (Elligott, 2019).
One key insight of critical theory applicable to this scenario is the concept of hegemony. Hegemony refers to the dominant culture and ideology that shapes the beliefs and practices of individuals and groups within a society. In this scenario, Phil’s refusal to use Rhonda’s preferred pronouns can be seen as an example of how hegemonic norms around gender identity and expression are being enforced. Phil’s belief that he has the right to use Rhonda’s former pronouns is influenced by societal norms around gender, which have been historically constructed and reinforced through institutions such as language, media, and education (Holt, 2021).
PHI FPX 2000 Assessment 3 Applied Critical Theory
There is another aspect to critical theory that is linked with the intersectionality among community. Intersectionality highlights how different social identities and experiences intersect and interact. In this scenario, Rhonda’s experience as a transgender woman intersects with Phil’s beliefs about gender and identity. This intersectional analysis recognizes that Rhonda’s identity is not solely defined by her gender but also by other factors such as race, class, and sexuality, which may further impact her experiences of oppression and marginalization (Amelina & Schäfer, 2020).
Ethical Conflicts
One critical theory that can be applied to analyze the ethical conflicts in the scenario of Rhonda’s request for her colleagues to use her preferred pronouns is queer theory. Queer theory is a critical theory that challenges heteronormativity and binary concepts of gender and sexuality. The queer theory recognizes that gender and sexuality are not fixed but somewhat fluid and socially constructed and that individuals have the agency to shape their identities (Regan & Meyer, 2021).
Queer Theory
The use of preferred pronouns for individuals asserts identification, especially in the case of Rhonda, who wants to assert an identity as a transgender woman within the agency. However, Phil’s refusal to use Rhonda’s preferred pronouns reflects a heteronormative and binary view of gender, where individuals are expected to conform to traditional gender roles and expressions. This conflict between Rhonda and Phil reflects broader societal norms around gender and sexuality, which can limit individual agency and expression (Lee, 2019). By PHI FPX 2000 Assessment 3 Applied Critical Theory
Queer theory also highlights how power relations and social structures shape individual experiences of gender and sexuality. In this scenario, Rhonda’s experience as a transgender woman is influenced by societal norms and institutions that have historically marginalized and oppressed individuals who do not conform to binary concepts of gender. Phil’s refusal to use Rhonda’s preferred pronouns can be seen as an example of how these societal norms are enforced and how individuals who challenge them may face resistance and pushback (Ciszek et al., 2022).
PHI FPX 2000 Assessment 3 Applied Critical Theory
This theory also recognizes the intersectionality of identities and experiences. Rhonda’s experience as a transgender woman is not solely defined by her gender but is also influenced by other factors such as race, class, and sexuality. Intersectionality highlights how these different aspects of identity can intersect and interact to shape individual experiences of oppression and marginalization (Rivera & Nadal, 2020).
Traditional Theory of Normative Ethics
This scenario can be addressed by exercising traditional theory of normative ethics and one of them is virtue ethics. Virtue ethics focuses on developing moral character traits and virtues that enable individuals to act in morally right ways. According to virtue ethics, individuals should strive to cultivate honesty, kindness, and compassion, which can guide them in making ethical decisions (Guinebert, 2020).
In the scenario, the project director can enforce a resolution by requiring all committee members, including Phil, to use Rhonda’s preferred pronouns. This resolution aligns with the virtue of compassion, as it shows respect and understanding for Rhonda’s identity and experiences as a transgender woman. Using Rhonda’s preferred pronouns, the committee members can demonstrate kindness and empathy, which align with virtue ethics (Nagoshi et al., 2022).
Additionally, the resolution satisfies aspects of deontological ethics, another traditional theory of normative ethics. Deontological ethics is based on duty, where individuals have a moral obligation to follow specific rules and principles. In the scenario, the project director can argue that using Rhonda’s preferred pronouns is a moral duty, as it aligns with principles of respect and non-discrimination. According to deontological ethics, individuals are responsible for treating others with dignity and respect, regardless of their gender identity (Jalsenjak, 2019).
PHI FPX 2000 Assessment 3 Applied Critical Theory
However, the resolution may also conflict with certain aspects of consequentialist ethics, another traditional theory of normative ethics. Consequentialist ethics focuses on the outcomes or consequences of actions and whether they lead to the most significant overall good. In this scenario, Phil may argue that using Rhonda’s preferred pronouns would lead to confusion or discomfort, negatively affecting the committee’s work. According to consequentialist ethics, actions should be evaluated based on their outcomes rather than inherent moral principles (Taggart & Zenor, 2022).
Conclusion
In conclusion, the scenario presented an ethical conflict related to respecting Rhonda’s gender identity and using her preferred pronouns. By analyzing the strategy using critical theory, we could understand the power dynamics and systems of oppression that were at play, mainly through the lens of queer theory. Queer theory provided insight into how societal norms and expectations about gender can perpetuate discrimination and marginalization and how individuals can resist and challenge these norms—applying virtue ethics provided a possible resolution to the ethical conflict by emphasizing the cultivation of virtues such as compassion and kindness. This resolution also satisfied aspects of deontological ethics by emphasizing the moral duty to treat others with dignity and respect. It is important to note that ethical conflicts are complex and multifaceted and may involve competing values and principles.
References
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