A comparative analysis of Antonio Gramsci and Paulo Friere's ideas relevant to adult education

Abstract

Antonio Gramsci (1891-1987) and Paulo Freire (b.1921) are widely regarded as two of this Century's foremost proponents of a theory of adult education for radical political change. This thesis attempts a comparative analysis of their ideas relevant to adult education. The work of these two writers is first contextualized, following which there are separate expositions of their ideas regarding non-formal and in the case of Gramsci, informal education. Their respective ideas are examined within the context of the theoretical frameworks in which these have been expressed. Gramsci's ideas are analysed in relation to his general theories regarding Hegemony and the role of the Intellectuals. Freire's ideas are examined in relation to his theory regarding the process of ideological domination. They are also viewed in relation to the pre and post revolutionary contexts. A comparison is attempted in the final Chapter were it is shown that the two writers express parallel views on such issues as economic determinism, participation, the process of adult education through praxis and the role which adult education can play in projecting a new Culture - Weltanschauung. There are obviously many differences between the two writers ideas relevant to adult education. A consideration of these differences is however attempted and leads to the conclusion that each writer stresses that which the other either overlooks or underplays. It is therefore argued that the two complement each other and that there exists the basis for a synthesis regarding their ideas relevant to adult education. It is stressed that such a synthesis needs to be developed at a higher level of theoretical discussion.