Beyond The Modern Postmodern Struggle In Education

This book is an attempt to historically and conceptually address the present human condition and the current specific role of education as a distinctively creative symbolic violence. In doing so, the book reevaluates the various manifestations and conflicting alternatives to normalizing education.

The essays in this edited collection argue that global citizenship education realistically must be set against the imperfections of our contemporary political realities. As a form of education it must actively engage in a critically informed way with a set of complex inherited historical issues that emerge out of a colonial past and the savage globalization which often perpetuates unequal power relations or cause new inequalities.

This book aims to systematically tackle the most severe crisis to ever beset Western education systems, which stems from the growing clash between the Platonic-modern civilization—still very much at the core of prevailing education systems—and the postmodern civilization which has become dominant in Western societies in the last generations.

This collection asks theorists and educational practitioners from around the world influenced by the schools of feminist pedagogy, critical pedagogy, anti-racist or postcolonial pedagogy, and gay and lesbian pedagogy to reflect upon the possibilities of articulating a "curriculum of difference" that critically examines the cross-cultural issues of peace and education that are at the forefront of global education issues today. Contributors examine the conceptualizations of peace and education within, between, and across cultures through the conceptualization of pedagogical possibilities that create an openness toward the horizons of the other within communal formations of difference permeating the public sphere. They take up new ways of questions related to globalization, difference, community, identity, peace, democracy, sexuality, ethics, conflict, politics, feminism, technology, language rights, cultural politics, Marxism, and deconstruction that have a vast literary history in and outside the area of "education." This volume makes a significant contribution to the question of difference and its quintessential role in peace education for the new millennium.

The Social Theory in Education Primer shows how classical sociology sets the frame for theory and research in education. Three major paradigms are explained in their historical context, and are used as a key to making sense of contemporary work that understands education from a sociological point of view. The central classical theorists considered are seen both in their own context, and also as the founders of the major movements that have continuing influence. The social theories of Durkheim, Marx, and Weber are used to frame and orient concepts for the different models of contemporary work. This primer is essential reading for courses devoted to social theory and education; sociology of education; social foundations of education; history of education; history of sociology; sociological theory; and sociology of knowledge.

Human beings have the possibility to give meaning to their lives and to create coherence in experiences. Present-day humanism strongly focuses on personal development in relation to others. It is this tension between personal development and advancement of humanization, that is creating the opportunities for the personal development of every world citizen. Humanism is about personal autonomy, moral responsibility, and about solidarity with humanity. The tension between autonomy and social involvement is the core of humanism. Education can support persons in their moral and personal identity development. The authors brought together in this book all address issues of developing autonomy and humanity in educational practices. All the chapters try to link theory and practice. They either make theoretical ideas more practical or they use practical experiences and concerns to rethink theoretical notions. Together the chapters in the book give a broad overview of theoretical foundations, concrete research, and practices in education. The book shows a diversity that can inspire scholars and practitioners in further developing their perspectives. Creating meaning is an essential part of all education. Focusing on the linking of autonomy and humanity is the humanist perspective in it.

This powerful and accessible text breaks with tradition by teasing out mere assumptions regarding critical pedagogy. Veteran teacher educator Seehwa Cho provides us with an engaging overview of the history of critical pedagogy and a clear, concise breakdown of key concepts and terms. Critical Pedagogy and Social Change is a vital examination of teaching and learning for social justice in the classroom and community beyond.