Critical Positioning Theory

In class this week, we discussed Davies' and Harré's (1990) theory of critical positioning. This was my first time learning about this theory, which essentially states that there are different levels of identities and contexts that influence who we are and our critical perspectives. There are stable identities, such as our age, sex, nationalities, culture, and family and there are flexible identities such as our interests, jobs, relationships, and our style/fashion, which are all influenced by current contexts and vice versa. In discussing this theory in relation to drama, we discussed how drama is one of the only experiences we are able to escape our stable identities to consider the identities, experiences, and perspectives of others by taking on roles.

Natalie McMillan (2018). Critical Positioning Theory (Photograph)