Penn State

Consortium forSocial Movements and Education
Research and Practice

The Power of Critical Theory: Liberating Adult Learning and Teaching

The Power of Critical Theory: Liberating Adult Learning and Teaching

Stephen D. Brookfield
2004
2004

Abstract

The Power of Critical Theory is Brookfield’s attempt to put the “critical” back into critical thinking by emphasizing that it is an inherently political process. The book presents powerful arguments for the importance of critical theory in fostering the kind of learning that leads to a truly democratic society, and it explores a number of tasks for adult learners including learning to challenge ideology, contest hegemony, unmask power, overcome alienation, learn liberation, reclaim reason, and practice democracy.
Book
Our Research

Abstract

The Power of Critical Theory is Brookfield’s attempt to put the “critical” back into critical thinking by emphasizing that it is an inherently political process. The book presents powerful arguments for the importance of critical theory in fostering the kind of learning that leads to a truly democratic society, and it explores a number of tasks for adult learners including learning to challenge ideology, contest hegemony, unmask power, overcome alienation, learn liberation, reclaim reason, and practice democracy.

Social Movements

Keywords

Class, Democracy, Gender, Informal Learning, Nonformal Education, Praxis, Race

Theme

Popular Education; Adult Education; and Social Movement Learning

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