Paulo Freire and Critical Pedagogy

Introduction

• Paulo Freire is known as the founder of Critical Pedagogy.
• Born in 1921 in Recife, Brazil.
• His ideas focused on the role of education and political freedom.

Historical Context of Brazil

• Brazil was a Portuguese colony from 1500 to 1822.
• Slavery was abolished in 1888, the last in the Western Hemisphere.
• By the 20th century, 85% of Brazil's population was illiterate.
• Economic hardships led some into black market slavery.

Early Life of Paulo Freire

• Freire's family was middle-class, but the 1930s depression affected them.
• Moved to a cheaper city on Recife’s outskirts.
• Experienced hunger which impacted his ability to learn.
• Dropped out of elementary school and stole to support his family.
• His father died in 1934 due to poverty-related stress.
• Returned to school after his mother requested the principal’s help.
• Studied philosophy and law.
• Began teaching in 1942.

Career and Development of Ideas

• 1947: Director of the Department of Education and Culture.
• Conducted literacy programs for poor adults.
• Developed ideas on oppression, literacy, and educational praxis.

Critique of the Banking Model of Education

• Criticized the model where students are passive and filled by the teacher.
• Compared it to oppressor-oppressed dynamics.
• Influenced by Hegel, Marx, and others.

Humanization and Education

• Argued that education should increase humanity, not decrease it.
• Proposed a democratic, equal relationship between teacher and student.
• Introduced in "Pedagogy of the Oppressed" (1967).

Conscientization

• Critical awareness leading to action.
• Students recognize and address contradictions in their social conditions.
• Problem-posing education encourages dialogue and mutual learning.

Influences and Legacy

• Influenced educators like Bell Hooks, Cornel West, Jonathan Kozol.
• "Pedagogy of the Oppressed" translated into 17 languages.
• Adopted by many countries, especially previously colonized ones.
• The Paulo Freire Institute is active in 18 countries.
• Some US educators have adapted Freire's model; it remains controversial.

Impact and Inspiration

• Freire's life is an inspiration beyond education.
• Advocated for literacy and love as means to human freedom.
• His work continues to inspire change and hope globally.