To propose problems.

To problematize a term, text, opinion, ideology, identity, or person is to consider the concrete or existential elements of those involved as challenges (problems) that invite the people involved to transform those situations. (Friere (1976) cited in Crotty (1998), p. 155-156)

Problematization is a critical and pedagogical dialogue or process and may be considered demythicisation. Rather than taking the common knowledge (myth) of a situation for granted, problematization poses that knowledge as a problem, allowing new viewpoints, consciousness, reflection, hope, and action to emerge. (ibid)

What may make problematization different from other forms of criticism is its target, the context and details, rather than the pro or con of an argument. More importantly, this criticism does not take place within the original context or argument, but draws back from it, re-evaluates it, leading to action which changes the situation. Rather than accepting the situation, one emerges from it, abandoning a focalised viewpoint. (ibid)

To problematize a statement, for example, one asks simple questions:

• Who is making this statement?
• Who is s/he making it for?
• Why is this statement being made here, now?
• Whom does this statement benefit?
• Whom does it harm?

• Essentially, "problematize" is a vague, encompassing term used by academics to let other academics know they are opening an academic discussion. The term eschews descriptive power because the discriptive power in discussions opened under the operative "to problematize" require thousands of words to complete. The utility of the term is therefore limited to its ability to announce, but not illustrate, a complex or convoluted narrative with a single word. "Problematize" is an academic prompt, and nothing more.

Source

• Crotty, Michael J. (1998). Foundations of Social Research: Meaning and Perspective in the Research Process. SAGE Publications. ISBN 0761961062. Describing Friere (1976). p. 155-156.

Postmodern theory