The creation of knowledge is a highly complex topic. There are many ways this can be looked at. What is considered to be true can be based on research, through providing factual data to back up a theory. Alternately, it can be created by a set of ethics from religion or institutional bylaws. Subjective interpretation of historical texts and using logical reasoning are other ways that knowledge can created, It can be either subjective or objective in nature and dependent upon the intent of the specific group presenting it.
There are several institutions that determine what is right for society. However, this can be different from society to society. At a local level, city municipalities are given the authority to determine what is appropriate for things not falling under federal control. At a global level, the UN can make decisions on what is right for the collective nations – through select power elite individuals from each country. When you look at religion, each denomination has a subjective interpretation of historical texts that is used to determine what is good for their followers. Each individual has the ability to create their own answer to this question; however, individuals do not always have the power (in the form of money or people).
This is where institutions come into play – be it a corporation, government, military or religious institution, to name a few. On the flip side of this, it seems that due to the common knowledge that social groups of oppressed people can challenge oppression, that specific oppressive topics can be initiated or focused upon to take the attention away from an unknown hidden agenda that contributes to unseen oppression. Proving this is difficult, due to the barriers and obstacles that exist for those who wish to conduct research on the activities of powerful states and corporations. (Tombs & Whyte, 2003)
Poststructuralist theories have influenced the construction of knowledge through showing that knowledge is dispersed throughout society. (Glasberg & Shannon, 2011) This reference goes back to my previous statements on the several different institutions and how each is structured, formed and their overall focus.
Regarding knowledge in my field, one example of a major contributor to knowledge in the field is C.G. Jung. Knowledge is not always enriching – it can remove us from the mythical world we once were at home with upon our entry, or birth into this world. (Jung, 1989)
Works Cited
Glasberg, D. S., & Shannon, E. (2011). Political Sociology: Oppression, Resistance and the State. Thousand Oaks, CA: Pine Forge Press.
Jung, C. (1989). Memories, Dreams and Reflections. New York: Random House.
Tombs, S., & Whyte, D. (2003). Unmasking the Crimes of the Powerful: Scrutinizing States and Corporations. Critical Criminology, 217-236.
Mantic Storm 