Antonio Gramsci and Paulo Freire

Abstract

This paper brings together two of the most cited figures in the radical debate on education and adult education: Antonio Gramsci and Paulo Freire. The former influenced the latter and the ideas of one not only echo but at times also complement those of the other. Taken together their work provides signposts for a critically engaged pedagogy. The paper addresses the Marxian influence that underlies their respective thinking on education for social transformation, their conception of ideology and the resources of hope found in their work with the emphases being placed on the concept of praxis; the philosophy and pedagogy of praxis. The notion of a directive pedagogy, in which educators have authority without being authoritarian, is also addressed.