Paulo Freire’s Pioneering Work in Democratizing Research

• In Event: Roundtable Session 41
  In Roundtable Session: Neoliberalism, Neocolonial Domination, and Democratizing Research

Abstract

The influence of Paulo Freire’s work in developing a radical alternative paradigm of research in education has not been as much referred to and diffused as his impact in other areas such as critical pedagogy, literacy and adult education. The purpose of this presentation is to commemorate his 90th birthday by introducing a book entitled Research as Praxis, inspired by his revolutionary ideas and practices for democratizing research and making it socially responsive and transformative. The book’s authors, following Freire’s seminal ideas, anchored Research as Praxis on the following principles: 1) Radical participatory democracy 2) Collective action for transformation toward a better world; 3) Commitment to work for social justice in solidarity with the marginalized classes toward self-development and self-reliance.

Author

• Myriam N. Torres, New Mexico State University