What characterizes a critical approach in communication studies?

A critical approach in communication studies is characterized by the goal of changing society through understanding. This perspective emphasizes the importance of exploring how communication practices influence power dynamics, social structures, and cultural norms. By critically examining these elements, scholars and practitioners seek to highlight issues of inequality, injustice, and oppression, aiming to foster social change and empower marginalized voices.

This approach often involves analyzing the ways in which language, symbols, and media are employed to construct meaning and promote specific ideologies. This understanding can lead to actionable insights that motivate individuals and groups to advocate for improvements in society. While understanding cultural differences, measuring verbal communication, and documenting historical perspectives are relevant aspects of the broader field of communication studies, they do not encapsulate the transformative intent embedded within a critical approach.