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Sociology Theory

4. Discuss Paulo Freire and his ideas regarding education. What is the banking system of education and dehumanization? What does Freire pose as an alternative form of education? How does this lead to praxis and humanization?

- Paulo Freire was born on September 19, 1921 in Recife, Brazil, and known for being one of the most well known educators of our time. Freire endured several experiences in which would shape his concerns for the poor and would help to construct his particular educational viewpoint. The banking system of education can best be described as an educational process that focuses on the students’ environment. Freire assumes that the learners must understand their own reality as part of their learning activity. As expressed in his 1970 work, “Pedagogy of the Oppressed”, the banking system treats students as an empty bank account, students are instructed to open their minds and allow educators to fill them with relevant data and information. The end result is passive learning- education without agency. (Online opinion, reference from Pedagogy of the Oppressed) As an alternative form of education Freire feels that Problem-Posing Education better suits the minds of students because it allows them to focus on their personal interests rather than the traditional list of what they are supposed to learn. In the Problem Posing Education model teachers and students create knowledge collectively in a variety of contexts, then create and address important questions about their knowledge produced. Freire’s idea of education was a practice of freedom from a critical reflection on various adult education projects he undertook in Brazil. His theory was part of a praxis, “reflection and action upon the world in order to transform it” (Freire, 1070, p. 36 Pedagogy of the Oppressed) Freire felt that praxis was a necessary condition of freedom.

1. Compare and contrast the works of Marx and Durkheim. Include in your analysis their research methods,...