PHI FPX 2000 assessment 3

Applied Critical Theory

Critical theory posits that power and control mechanisms maintain social inequality and injustice. Critical theory is used here to examine the ethical issues raised by Rhonda, a trans person, asking her coworkers to address her by her preferred pronouns. Next, normative theory is applied to suggest possible solutions (Zaharin & Pallotta, 2022).

Primary Interests of the Stakeholders

Rhonda’s request triggers an ethical dilemma between stakeholders with competing interests. Rhonda requests recognition and respect for her gender identity, stressing the significance of using her preferred pronouns (she/her/hers) to express herself and exercise agency (Darby et al., 2020). Phil, on the other hand, is against this change because of his beliefs and identity, which contradict his perception of gender and personal values (Witt, 2021).

The interests of the stakeholders cross over through identity and belief; they are conflicting, though, as Phil’s denial negates the identity and autonomy of Rhonda, withholding from her the respect and recognition she should get (Duthie, 2019).

Applications of Critical Theory to the Ethical Conflict

Critical theory, a social theory examining power relations and oppression, provides information on the conflict dynamics. Hegemony, an essential concept, explains how the norms of society regarding gender identity influence the conflict, as Phil’s resistance embodies the imposition of hegemonic norms (Holt, 2021).

Additionally, the community’s intersectionality is taken into account, realizing that Rhonda’s experience is informed by various factors including race, class, and sexuality and how these determine her experiences with oppression and marginalization (Amelina & Schäfer, 2020).

Ethical Conflicts

Queer theory, a heteronormativity-challenging critical theory, offers a lens through which to examine the conflict. It identifies the conflict between Rhonda’s declaration of her gender identity as a transgender woman and Phil’s insistence on heteronormative and binary perceptions of gender, demonstrating wider societal norms that constrain individual expression and agency (Lee, 2019).

Queer theory also points to the manner in which power relations and social structures shape people’s experiences of gender and sexuality, as seen by Phil’s resistance demonstrating implementation of societal norms (Ciszek et al., 2022).

Traditional Theory of Normative Ethics

Using standard normative ethics, virtue ethics would recommend developing moral character. Solving the dilemma entails imposing using Rhonda’s chosen pronouns, which complies with virtues like empathy, kindness, and compassion (Guinebert, 2020). Deontological ethics similarly supports this solution, as it focuses on the ethical obligation to treat others with respect and dignity regardless of gender identity (Jalsenjak, 2019).

Nonetheless, consequentialist ethics can be challenging, as Phil could claim that adopting Rhonda’s preferred pronouns would result in confusion or unease, adversely affecting the committee’s productivity (Taggart & Zenor, 2022).

Conclusion

Finally, examining the ethical dilemma using critical and normative theories demonstrates its intricacies. Critical theory points to power relationships and social norms, whereas normative ethics offers solutions based on virtues and moral obligations. The situation highlights the multidimensional character of ethical dilemmas, entailing conflicting values and principles.

PHI FPX 2000 Assessment 3 Applied Critical Theory

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Lee, R. (2019). Queering lactation: Contributions of queer theory to lactation support for LGBTQ2+ individuals and families. Journal of Human Lactation, 35(2), 233–238. https://doi.org/10.1177/0890334419830992

Nagoshi, J., Nagoshi, C., & Pillai, V. (2022). Transgender theory revisited: Current applications to transgender issues. Current Opinion in Psychology, 49, 101546. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.copsyc.2022.101546

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Rivera, D., & Nadal, K. (2020). The intersection of queer theory and empirical methods. Imagining Queer Methods, 191–206. https://doi.org/10.18574/nyu/9781479808557.003.0012

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Witt, A. (2021). The use of preferred gender pronouns. Ethics & Medics, 46(2), 1–4. https://doi.org/10.5840/em20214623

Zaharin, A., & Pallotta, M. (2022). Reclaiming transgender identity through intersectionality and decoloniality: A critical autoethnography of an academic-activist performance. Journal of Intercultural Studies, 43(1), 98–119. https://doi.org/10.1080/07256868.2022.2012137