Pedagogy of the Oppressed by Paulo Freire

A groundbreaking text of educational philosophy and social reform, now in Penguin Modern Classics

This seminal 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.

On the 30th anniversary of its publication, this classic manifesto by Freire reflects on the impact his book has had, and on many of the issues it raises for readers in the 1990s. These include the fundamental question of liberation and inclusive language as it relates to Freire’s own insights and approaches.

About the Author: 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.

06 Apr 2017
 

Pedagogy of the Oppressed by Paulo Freire ISBN 9780241301111