Education for Societal Transformation: Alternatives for a Just, Holistic Future

Session Type: Symposium

Abstract

This panel symposium of five papers from disparate geographies and populations stems a NORRAG Special Issue that engages the need for alternatives in education to address a global polycrisis. These holistic alternatives and “non-reformist” reforms challenge hegemonic ideas perpetuated by neoliberal capitalism, militarism, patriarchy, racism, and other oppressive structures. The first paper sets the stage by describing the nature of the climate emergency and offers systemic solutions for education. Two papers, about Brazil and Argentina, document worker and community efforts to create and continue education systems while lacking state support. A fourth paper discusses decolonization of higher education in South Africa, while the fifth paper provides important tasks and strategies for critical scholars/activists working towards transformative alternatives.

Sub Unit

• SIG-Holistic Education

Chair

• Carol Anne M. Spreen, New York University

Papers

• Responding to the Climate Emergency: Creating Regenerative, Equitable Education Systems - Frank M. Adamson, California State University - Sacramento

• Landless Workers Constructing Educational Alternatives for Agrarian Reform, Agroecology, and Food Sovereignty - Rebecca Tarlau, Stanford University

• Born out of Struggle in Argentina: Bachilleratos Populares with/in/against the State - Gary L. Anderson, New York University; Carol Anne M. Spreen, New York University

• Dismantling epistemic violence: a decolonial social justice agenda within South Africa’s higher education curriculum - Nkosana Sithole Miya, University of the Witwatersrand

• The Tasks of the Critical Scholar/Activist - Michael W. Apple, University of Wisconsin - Madison

Discussant

• Mark B. Ginsburg, University of Maryland