problematize
problematize — verb
- problematizepresent simple I / you / we / they
- problematizes3rd person singular
- problematizing-ing form
- problematizedpast simple
1. to question or challenge an idea, belief, or practice that people usually accept
to question or challenge an idea, belief, or practice that people usually accept without thinking, by pointing out the hidden assumptions or oversimplifications behind it
Kasia's thesis problematizes the concept of 'economic growth' by showing how it ignores environmental damage.
problematize + [abstract concept]
Professor Folake's new book problematizes the common assumption that all families share one traditional structure.
The history department now requires students to problematize textbook accounts of the colonial period.
Cyrus argued that the study had failed to problematize its own narrow definition of democracy.
- accept
to take an idea as given without questioning it
- take for granted
to assume something is true without examination
文法句型
problematize + noun phrase
problematize + [concept / assumption / idea]
用法筆記
Primarily used in academic writing, especially in sociology, cultural studies, and critical theory. The word signals that the writer is not just disagreeing with an idea but calling attention to the hidden assumptions or oversimplifications that make it seem unproblematic.