Question

In a concise phrase, appraise Freire’s liberation pedagogy as a challenge to the social, political, economic, and educational status quo.

Answer 1

Ans.

Paulo Freire was a Brazilian educational reformist who developed a critical Marxist theory of education. In his popular work ‘ Pedagogy of the Oppressed’, he outlines a new and radical transformation of the educational pedagogy which takes a more inclusive rather than an exclusive approach. He questions the in-built patronising outlook of privileged educators and affirms that the oppressed and lower sections of society can be brought at par only by means of a new pedagogy which is co created with the equal participation of the oppressed receivers for that system of education.

Thus, in his theory, he addresses equality in education not only in terms of class differences but also inlcudes representation of the experience such of marginalisation of women, the disabled, the religious minorities, racial poor, etc. Thus, For him, education should allow the oppressed to regain their sense of humanity and break away from the the oppressors–oppressed distinction at social, economic, political and educational levels.