The roots and process of social action
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1921/gpwk.v14i2.565Keywords:
<i>Paulo Friere</i>, <i>social action</i>, <i>participation</i>, <i>empowerment</i>Abstract
This paper discusses the theoretical roots of social action in the work of Brazilian adult educator Paulo Freire, who proposes an alternative to conventional educational methods, based on the concept of problem posing education, which entails mutual learning and dialogue between students and teachers. For Freire, the notion of dialogue is based upon the principles of equality and critical thinking, which enables oppressed people to challenge their existing circumstances. The eclectic sources of Freirean philosophy and the challenges of other writers to aspects of his thought are examined. The paper describes how members of the Centre for Social Action have translated the theories of Freire and other writers into a set of principles and the social action process, which have been used as the basis of work in the community with a wide range of disempowered groups.
References
Arches, J. (2001) <i>Using Social Action to Achieve Social Change: The impact of social action on individuals taking part</i>. Unpublished research paper. Summary, Research Notes September 2002, available on <a target="_blank" href='http://www.dmu.ac.uk/dmucsa'>www.dmu.ac.uk/dmucsa</a>\nBarry, M. (1996) The empowering process: Leading from behind. <i>Youth and Policy</i>, 54, 1-12\nBarry, M., Davies, A., Williamson, H. (1999) Debate. An open response to the concerns of the Centre for Social Action in issue no. 60. <i>Youth and Policy</i>, 62, 67-69\nBlackburn, J. (2000) Understanding Paulo Freire: reflections on the origins, concepts and possible pitfalls of his educational approach. <i>Community Development Journal</i>, 35, 1, 3-15\nCentre for Social Action (2001) Social action principles updated and renewed. <i>Centre for Social Action Newsletter</i>, 3, 2-3\nCress-Wellsing, F. (1991) <i>Isis Paper</i>. Chicago: Third World Press\nDominelli, L. and Macleod, E. (1989) <i>Feminist Social Work</i>. London: Macmillan\nEllul, J. (1964) <i>The Technological Society</i>. New York: Alfred Knox\nFleming, J., Harrison, M., Ward, D. (1998) Social action can be an empowering process. A response to the scepticism of Monica Barry. <i>Youth and Policy</i>, 60. 42-62\nFleming, J. and Ward, D. (forthcoming) Methodology and practical application of the social action research model. in F. Maggs-Rapport (Ed.) <i>New Qualitative Research Methodologies in Health and Social Care: Putting ideas into practice</i>. London: Routledge\nFreire, P. (1972) <i>The Pedagogy of the Oppressed</i>. Harmondsworth: Penguin\nHeaney, T. (1995) <i>Issues in Freirean Pedagogy</i>. <a target="_blank" href='http://nlu.nl.edu/Resources/Documents/FreireIssues.html'>http://nlu.nl.edu/Resources/Documents/FreireIssues.html</a>\nhooks, b. (1992) <i>Ain’t I a woman: Black women and feminism</i>. London: Pluto Press\nMaclaren, P. and Leonard, P. (Eds.) (1995) <i>Paulo Freire. A Critical encounter</i>. London: Routledge\nMullender, A. and Ward, D. (1991) <i>Self Directed Groupwork: Users take action forempowerment</i>. London: Whiting and Birch\nMullender, A. and Ward, D. (1993) The role of the consultant in self-directed groupwork. <i>Social Work with Groups</i>, 16, 4, 57-80\nMurray (1999) All locked up in the American Dream. <i>The Sunday Times</i>, 7th February, p.7\nOliver, M. (1992) Changing the social relations of research production. <i>Disability, Handicap and Society</i>, 7, 2, 101-114\nRahnema, M. (1992) Participation. in W. Sachs (Ed.) <i>The Development Dictionary. A guide to knowledge as power</i>. London: Zed Books\nTaylor, P. (1993) <i>The Texts of Paulo Freire</i>. Buckingham: Open University\nWard, D. and Boeck, T. (2000) Addressing social exclusion. The social action research contribution to local development. in A-L. Matthies, M. Javela and D.Ward, (Eds.) <i>From Social Exclusion to Participation. Exploration across three European cities</i>. Jyvaskyla, Finland: University of Jyvaskyla\nWard, D. (2000) Twenty years of social action. Lessons for participation in the 21<sup>st</sup> century. Paper presented at the launch of the <i>Centre for Social Action Review</i>, 15th March 2000.\nWuyts, M., Mackintosh, M. and Hewitt, T. (Eds.) (1992) <i>Development Policy and Public Action</i>. Oxford: Oxford University Press in association with the Open University\n
Downloads
Published
2013-01-10
How to Cite
Aubrey, J. (2013). The roots and process of social action. Groupwork, 14(2), 6-23. https://doi.org/10.1921/gpwk.v14i2.565
Issue
Section
Articles
License
Copyright lies with the journal. Enquiries regarding reproduction should be sent in the first place to enquiries@whitingbirch.net
