Article,
Where’s the Critique? On the Dearth of Critical Theory in German Communication Research
Media Theory, 7 (1): 257--276 (2023)
Abstract
While the influence of critical theory – connected to the Frankfurt School – has been profound, its legacy is almost non-existent in the field of communication research in Germany. In order to address this counterintuitive state of affairs, we first sketch the historical context that led to the dearth of critical in the German field. We then give a brief overview of the current institutionalization of the field and connect it to the founding of the Network for Critical Communications Research (abbreviated: KriKoWi) that aims to (re-) introduce critical theories (that is the critical theory of the Frankfurt School but also other critical approaches). Last but not least, we sketch our understanding of critique which ought to help scholars using different methodological and theoretical approaches to work together. We hope that similar initiatives in other parts of the world might find our endeavours inspiring and join them.
