Critical Paradigms Definition

As previously noted the term ‘trans’ disrupts the binary categories of gender but can lead to a labelling of ‘other’, therefore the intended dissertation will draw upon a critical paradigm which explores and addresses marginalisation (Scotland, 2012, p. 13), whilst challenging existing conditions. The critical paradigm is more notably interested in power relations and what factors cause the suppression of the less dominant class (Kincheloe & McLaren, 1998, p. 264).Asghar (2013, p. 3123), proposes that a critical paradigm is able to utilise any ‘methodology or technique’ which redresses the balance of an unfair society.
Linked to this paradigm is the ontological stance of historical realism, which states that reality has been historically constructed
While critical paradigms expose hegemony, underpinning the research and reinforcing the critical paradigm will be the similar theoretical perspective of queer theory.
The foundations of queer theory are political, encompassing the concepts of identity, power and language (Wilchins, 2014, p. 9). It has been defined as ‘oppositional’ (Hodges, 2008, p. 8) and a theory that fundamentally challenges societal assumptions (Langdridge, 2008, p. 27).
Meta-narratives that have explained gender development throughout history have led to normativity being measured and assessed by cisgender standards which has led to an alienation or rejection of aspects seen as shameful (Ruble, et al., 2004; Macsis, 2011). The stigmatisation felt by individuals not fitting gender binaries can prevent them from identifying as transgender to counsellors leading to further shame (Kirk & Belovics, 2008). Queer theory resists binary categories and recognises their oppressive nature by subversion, whereby the abnormal becomes normal (Butler & Byrne, 2008, p.