What assumption do critical theories make regarding human beings?

Critical theories assert that human beings are both determined and determining, highlighting the dynamic interplay between individuals and societal structures. This perspective holds that while social contexts and environments influence individuals significantly, people also possess agency and the capacity to enact change within those structures.

By recognizing this dual role, critical theories suggest that humans are not merely passive recipients of societal influence; instead, individuals actively participate in shaping their own circumstances and the broader society. This understanding allows for a more nuanced approach to analyzing social issues, as it acknowledges both the constraints and the potentials for agency inherent in human behavior.

This contrasts with the other options, which either suggest a one-sided perspective on how individuals relate to society or imply a lack of agency. For instance, claiming that humans are purely determined by societal structures overlooks the individual's capacity to influence change, while stating that humans have no influence on societal change negates the role of individual actions and decisions in contributing to social transformation.