Pedagogy of the Oppressed

This text argues that the perceived passivity of the poor is the direct result of economic, social and political domination. The book suggests that in some countries the oppressors use the 'piggy bank' system - treating students as passive, empty vessels - to preserve their authority and maintain a culture of silence. Through cooperation and dialogue, Freire suggests, the authoritarian teacher-pupil model can be replaced with critical thinking so that the student becomes co-creator of knowledge. Crucial to Freire's argument is the belief that every human being, no matter how impoverished or illiterate, can develop an awareness of self, and the right to be heard.

“A transformative text”

Brilliant methodology of a highly charged and politically provocative character -- Jonathan Kozol Truly revolutionary -- Ivan Illich -- George Monbiot

Paulo Freire (1921-1997) was a revolutionary Brazilian educational theorist. Heavily influenced by Hegel as well as Marxist and anti-colonialist thinkers, Freire promoted the liberation of the working classes through a cooperative teacher-student educative model.

'Knowledge emerges only through invention and re-invention, through the restless, impatient, continuing, hopeful inquiry human beings pursue in this world' Arguing that 'education is freedom', Paulo Freire's radical international classic contends that traditional teaching styles keep the poor powerless by treating them as passive, silent recipients of knowledge. Grounded in Freire's own experience teaching impoverished and illiterate students in his native Brazil and over the world, this pioneering book instead suggests that through co-operation, dialogue and critical thinking, every human being can develop a sense of self and fulfil their right to be heard. 'The foremost work on the key democratic task: helping people to identify and challenge the sources of their oppression ... a transformative text' George Monbiot, Guardian 'Truly revolutionary' Ivan Illich

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