Carlos Alberto Torres - Böcker

Torres here brings a unique theoretical perspective to the study of the politics of nonformal education in Latin America. Using the literacy programs in several Latin American countries--including Mexico, Cuba, Nicaragua, and Grenada--as the prime examples of adult educational reform, Torres examines such issues as: Why are given educational policies created? How are they constructed, planned, and implemented? Who are the most relevant actors in their formulation and operationalization? What are the implications of such policies for both clients and the broader society? What are the fundamental, systematic, and organizational processes involved? Throughout, Torres uses an approach based on a political sociology and informed by political economy analysis. Challenging the established assumptions of mainstream adult and nonformal education, he argues persuasively that, rather than providing new training for the labor force or attempting to improve the living conditions of the poor, the nonformal education policies in Latin America have played an integral role in governments' attempts to legitimize the capitalist state.Torres begins by addressing some of the basic problems of illiteracy and adult education in Latin America. He then offers a brief overview of the relations between the state and education, which sets the stage for the theoretical discussion in the following chapters. Subsequent chapters analyze the political economy of adult education in Latin America and explore the political implications of adult education and literacy training. An in-depth study of education reform in socialist-oriented countries contrasts the pre- and post-revolutionary situation in adult education in Cuba, Nicaragua, and Grenada. The national system of adult education in Mexico during the late 1970s and early 1980s also receives extended treatment. Finally, Torres presents both a theoretical and methodological perspective for the study of adult education policy formation and a new agenda for research inspired by the political sociology of education. Students and scholars of Latin American studies and comparative education will find this work an important catalyst for further work on the politics of education in Latin America.

An important contribution to the growing body of work on Latin American policy making in education, this volume presents a critical analysis of the conflicts and contradictions inherent in educational policy planning in Mexico since the early 1970s. In an effort to forge a clearer and more comprehensive understanding of the processes involved, the authors examine the complex relationships among the politics of a corporative State built on the remains of a revolutionary tradition, the current model of associated-dependent development, and the process of policy formation in formal and nonformal education. Analysis of specific cases enables the authors to present an overview of the factors involved in the designing, planing, and implementation of educational policies in Mexico, as well as assessing the effects of educational change on the poorest sectors of its society.Morales-Gomez and Torres begin by analyzing some of the political economy factors that historically have determined the current process of associate-dependent development in Mexico and how they have evolved and shaped the role of education in the country. They show how educational policies and practices are affected by the processes of sociopolitical change that underly the formation and evolution of the corporatist State. A critical review of the structure and functioning of the educational system in Mexico precedes three case studies of formal and nonformal education that illustrate the relationships among the predominant ideas shaping current development in the country, the process of policy formation in education, and the actual practice of formal and nonformal education. The first case study examines primary education as a manifestation of the contradictions in educational policy; the second focuses on some of the nonformal initiatives carried out by the government over the last two decades; and the third looks at adult workers' education.

This book provides a critical sociology of religion in Latin America. Its purpose is to discuss the notion of religion as part of social, cultural, and political processes in capitalist societies, drawing on the classics of sociological thought (Marx, Durkheim, Weber, and Gramsci). Thus, churches are analyzed as organized institutions of religious mediation intimately linked to the production of social, cultural, and political hegemony in Latin America. The Catholic Church, the dominant church in the region, is analyzed in terms of its different faces, changes, and transformations from conquest and colonization through the changing winds of Vatican II to the revolutionary experiences of the popular church in the 1970s and 1980s.This work will be of interest to scholars of Latin American studies, politics, religion, culture, and sociology. It also speaks to theologians and philosophers working in Latin America.

The purpose of this contributed volume is to examine the links among research, policy, and change in education in Latin America in the context of the relationships between the economy, politics, and the state in the 1980s. The case analyses will discuss the challenges these societies face in education in their progression towards the twenty-first century.In its various sections, the book addresses the following questions: How did education respond during the 1980s to the major sociopolitical and economic changes that affected these countries? How did the changes in the 1980s affect the relationships between education, society, and the state, and what lessons can be learned from the interaction between research and policy that may help in understanding the developmental role of education in the 1990s? And is educational research and policy helping to improve the social condition of minorities in Latin America? This volume will be of interest to scholars and policymakers in Latin American studies, educational research, education policy, and educational planning.

This book offers a relevant sample of the current research on Latin American education in comparative perspective. In their introduction, Torres and Puiggrós, two of the most recognized researchers of Latin American education, draw from political sociology of education, theories of the state, history of education, and deconstructionist theories to focus on changes in state formation in the region and its implications for the constitution of the pedagogical subject in public schools. Throughout the different chapters, the contributors present and analyze the most relevant topics, research agendas, and some of the key theoretical and political problems of Latin American education.

This book offers a relevant sample of the current research on Latin American education in comparative perspective. It presents and analyzes the most relevant topics, research agendas, and some of the key theoretical and political problems of Latin American education.

In the first volume in the Critical Global Citizenship Education series, Torres combines theoretical and empirical research to present an original perspective on global citizenship education as a vitally important way of learning in a globalized world. In examining the requirements for effective global citizenship education and education reform, he investigates pathways to citizenship-building at the local, national and global levels and urges development of teaching methods, teacher education, and curriculum within a social justice education framework. Taking into account post-colonial perspectives, political realities at play, and practical implications, Torres provides a succinct but comprehensive understanding of how global citizenship education can expand the concept of civic education in a global society and interrupt inequality. This volume considers the ways that global citizenship education has been incorporated and is used by international institutions, governments, and the academy, and provides a clear framework for anyone struggling to make sense of the tensions and complexities of global citizenship education today.

This volume by noted critical education scholar Carlos Alberto Torres takes up the question of how structural changes in schooling and the growing impacts of neoliberalism and globalization affect social change, national development, and democratic educational systems throughout the world. The first section of the book offers analytical avenues to understand and criticize the practices and policies of neoliberal states, both domestically and internationally. More than a mere lament of the state of educational policy, however, Torres also documents the critiques and alternatives developed by social movements against neoliberal governments and policies. Ultimately, his work urges readers to engage in the struggle to resist the oppressive forces of neoliberal globalization, and proactively and deliberately act in informed ways to create a better world.

In Globalization and Education: Critical Perspectives , an outstanding group of international contributors explore the increasingly important dimensions of globalization as it affects educational policy and practice in nation-states around the world. Changing conditions in a globalized world-including travel, international media, transnational capitalism, and the role of global organizations and institutions-all have profound implications for the formation and implementation of education policy. Addressing such issues as feminism, multiculturalism, and new technology, this collection of original essays will broaden the context in which educational policy decisions are viewed. Contributors: Michael W. Apple, Jill Blackmore, Nicholas C. Burbules, Juan Ramón Capella, Luiza Cortesão, Greg Dimitriadis, Patrick Fitzsimmons, Douglas Kellner, Bob Lingard, Allan Luke, Carmen Luke, James Marshall, Cameron McCarthy, Raymond A. Morrow, Michael Peters, Thomas S. Popkewitz, Fazal Rizvi, Stephen R. Stoer, and Carlos Alberto Torres.

This volume by noted critical education scholar Carlos Alberto Torres takes up the question of how structural changes in schooling and the growing impacts of neoliberalism and globalization affect social change, national development, and democratic educational systems throughout the world. The first section of the book offers analytical avenues to understand and criticize the practices and policies of neoliberal states, both domestically and internationally. More than a mere lament of the state of educational policy, however, Torres also documents the critiques and alternatives developed by social movements against neoliberal governments and policies. Ultimately, his work urges readers to engage in the struggle to resist the oppressive forces of neoliberal globalization, and proactively and deliberately act in informed ways to create a better world.

The twentieth century has been marked by the expansion of educational opportunities worldwide. It has been the century of education, and the role of the state in the promotion of public education has been decisive. Yet, at the millennium's turn efforts to diminish the role of the state are rapidly changing education, especially in terms of its role in democracy. This comprehensive handbook offers a fresh view of the social context of education, outlining the challenges as well as the advances in public and private education systems. The book offers a systematic account of current social theory and methodologies, applied perspectives on the development of education in many regions of the world, and compares key themes such as access, school choice, equity, and educational performance.

Critique and utopia are two of the central concepts of the sociology of education, and they indeed exemplify the critical traditions in the sociology of education as a discipline. This book analyzes, using theoretical frameworks and empirical data, the state of the art of the sociology of education at the beginning of the century, offering a systematic criticism of the dominant theories, and findings in the sociology of education. Key chapters focus on theoreticians who have made an impact in the discipline, including Basil Bernstein, Pierre Bourdieu, Paulo Freire. Yet, there is much more than theoretical analysis in this book. It also offers insights for policy and practice in diverse areas of education, including the formal, nonformal, and informal modalities of educational praxis.

Critique and utopia are two of the central concepts of the sociology of education, and they indeed exemplify the critical traditions in the sociology of education as a discipline. This book analyzes, using theoretical frameworks and empirical data, the state of the art of the sociology of education at the beginning of the century, offering a systematic criticism of the dominant theories, and findings in the sociology of education. Key chapters focus on theoreticians who have made an impact in the discipline, including Basil Bernstein, Pierre Bourdieu, Paulo Freire. Yet, there is much more than theoretical analysis in this book. It also offers insights for policy and practice in diverse areas of education, including the formal, nonformal, and informal modalities of educational praxis.

Summarizes and critiques theories of social and cultural reproduction as they relate to sociology of education.This book summarizes the body of knowledge about sociology of education and cultural studies as it informs educational research and critical pedagogy. It synthesizes the most relevant work in social and cultural reproduction published in the last three decades in English, French, German, Spanish, and Portuguese. The authors document and critique the theoretical discussion in developments in both advanced societies and peripheral ones, and link macro-sociological issues with social psychological ones. The book introduces theories of the state to underscore a political sociology of education, and highlights an agenda for theory building, research, and practice in sociology of education.

Examines emerging theoretical and methodological approaches to the field of sociology of education. These perspectives draw on notions of social justice, diversity, multiculturalism, and detracking.Sociology of Education discusses emerging theoretical and methodological approaches to the field of sociology of education. These emerging perspectives focus on the scholarship of class, race, gender and the state in education, and open up new avenues for theoretical and empirical work in the field. Anyone concerned with issues of quality and equality of educational opportunities and the social context of education will find Sociology of Education not only exciting but also useful in promoting new ways of thinking about and acting upon educational reform.

Presents current research and theoretical perspectives on the challenges facing educators in U.S. urban schools.A supplemental text with a fresh, bold edge, Challenges of Urban Education includes a range of topics from quantitative analyses of student demographics to the description and analysis of urban high school students' creative writing. The book bridges the dualisms of local and global, theory and practice, and structure and agency. It furthers the advancement of "the new sociology of education" by making connections between the social context of urban schooling and the lives of the individuals who are affected by it.[Contributors include Michael W. Apple; Anthony Gary Dworkin; Pamela Fenning; harry Handler; David Keiser; Karen A. McClafferty; Peter McLaren; Roslyn Arlin Mickelson; Theodore R. Mitchell; Raymond A. Morrow; Marianela Parraga; Margaret K. Purser; Ayman Sheikh-Hussin; Sid Thompson; Laurence A. Toenjes; Carlos Alberto Torres; Eugene Tucker; Amy Stuart Wells; Geoff Whitty; and Jim Wilczynski.]

Offers a rare glimpse into schools in contemporary Egypt.Little is known regarding the inner workings of the educational systems of most Arab countries. Cultures of Arab Schooling fills this void using critical social theory to offer a rare glimpse into schools in contemporary Egypt. Giving voice to the educators and students through personal testimonies, the book sheds new light on issues of educational quality, the impact of social movements-particularly Islamist-on school cultures, the growing cultures of resistance to authoritarianism, and the gap between official policies and the realities of schooling. In a political climate that demonstrates increasing change in the Arab world, this critical ethnography of Arab education will aid in providing a better understanding of issues relating to social justice, participation, and democracy in this part of the world.

Offers a rare glimpse into schools in contemporary Egypt.Little is known regarding the inner workings of the educational systems of most Arab countries. Cultures of Arab Schooling fills this void using critical social theory to offer a rare glimpse into schools in contemporary Egypt. Giving voice to the educators and students through personal testimonies, the book sheds new light on issues of educational quality, the impact of social movements-particularly Islamist-on school cultures, the growing cultures of resistance to authoritarianism, and the gap between official policies and the realities of schooling. In a political climate that demonstrates increasing change in the Arab world, this critical ethnography of Arab education will aid in providing a better understanding of issues relating to social justice, participation, and democracy in this part of the world.

This volume explores the complex relationships among universities, states, and markets throughout the Americas in light of the growing influence of globalization. It offers a biting critique of neoliberal globalization and its anti-democratic elements. In seeking to challenge the hegemony of neoliberal globalization, the authors highlight the ways in which corporate capitalism, academic capitalism, and increased militarization—both in the form of terrorism and in the international war against terrorism—are directing societies and institutions. Throughout this volume, the contributors—led by Noam Chomsky, Boaventura de Sousa Santos, Raymond Morrow, Sheila Slaughter, and Atilio Boron—argue that neoliberal globalization has changed the context for academic work, research and development, science, and social responsibility at universities. They examine issues of access and social mobility, and argue that the recent push toward privatization limits the democratic and emancipatory possibilities of universities. Finally, the book explores various forms of resistance and discusses globalization in terms of social movements and global human rights.Contributors:Estela Mara BensimonAtilio Alberto BoronAndrea BrewsterNoam ChomskyAna Loureiro JuremaKen KempnerMarcela MollisRaymond MorrowImanol OrdorikaGary RhoadesRobert A. Rhoads Boaventura de Sousa SantosDaniel SchugurenskySheila SlaughterCarlos Alberto Torres

This volume explores the complex relationships among universities, states, and markets throughout the Americas in light of the growing influence of globalization. It offers a biting critique of neoliberal globalization and its anti-democratic elements. In seeking to challenge the hegemony of neoliberal globalization, the authors highlight the ways in which corporate capitalism, academic capitalism, and increased militarization—both in the form of terrorism and in the international war against terrorism—are directing societies and institutions. Throughout this volume, the contributors—led by Noam Chomsky, Boaventura de Sousa Santos, Raymond Morrow, Sheila Slaughter, and Atilio Boron—argue that neoliberal globalization has changed the context for academic work, research and development, science, and social responsibility at universities. They examine issues of access and social mobility, and argue that the recent push toward privatization limits the democratic and emancipatory possibilities of universities. Finally, the book explores various forms of resistance and discusses globalization in terms of social movements and global human rights.Contributors:Estela Mara BensimonAtilio Alberto BoronAndrea BrewsterNoam ChomskyAna Loureiro JuremaKen KempnerMarcela MollisRaymond MorrowImanol OrdorikaGary RhoadesRobert A. Rhoads Boaventura de Sousa SantosDaniel SchugurenskySheila SlaughterCarlos Alberto Torres

In this book, two well-known scholars of critical educational studies provide a compelling introduction to the thoughts of Brazilian educator Paulo Freire and German critical theorist Jurgen Habermas. While there are many other books about these influential thinkers, this is the first to compare their theories in-depth and situate their thinking in relation to other social theories and philosophies of education. The authors demonstrate that, despite their differences, these philosophers share crucial views on science, society, critical social psychology, and educational praxis that are mutually illuminating and offer a new point of departure for a critical theory of education. The book is organized around the following themes: (a) Freire and Habermas' philosophies of the social sciences as a form of critical social theory; (b) their theories of society; (c) the critical social psychology that underlies their conception of the dialogical and developmental subject; and (d) the implications of their overall perspective for educational practice.

In this book, two well-known scholars of critical educational studies provide a compelling introduction to the thoughts of Brazilian educator Paulo Freire and German critical theorist Jurgen Habermas. While there are many other books about these influential thinkers, this is the first to compare their theories in-depth and situate their thinking in relation to other social theories and philosophies of education. The authors demonstrate that, despite their differences, these philosophers share crucial views on science, society, critical social psychology, and educational praxis that are mutually illuminating and offer a new point of departure for a critical theory of education. The book is organized around the following themes: (a) Freire and Habermas' philosophies of the social sciences as a form of critical social theory; (b) their theories of society; (c) the critical social psychology that underlies their conception of the dialogical and developmental subject; and (d) the implications of their overall perspective for educational practice.

Spanning an extraordinary 30-year career, this book collects seminal essays by critical theorist Carlos Alberto Torres. Torres is among the foremost scholars devoted to interpreting the work of Paulo Freire and has done much over the years to raise the visibility of Freire's contribution to educational theory. In addition, he has helped to establish the discipline of the political sociology of education. His work on Latin American education has made substantial contributions to the fields of comparative and international education. All of the strands of his thinking, along with his commitment to employing scholarship for social change, are evident in this important collection.

In his new book, Carlos Alberto Torres, an internationally renowned critical theorist of education, explores the early writings of Paulo Freire whose ideas have had a tremendous and long-lasting impact on the world of pedagogy and politics. Torres analyses Freire’s works, from the 1960s and 1970s, before Freire gained worldwide recognition for his Pedagogy of the Oppressed. Offering an in-depth look into the formative thinking of Freire, Torres identifies how his ideas produced frameworks for educating global citizens, building community and mutual respect, creating social responsibility, instilling an appreciation for diversity, promoting multiple literacies, and social justice education. This volume is the result of more than 3 decades of research with access to Freire’s personal library and the archives of the Paulo Freire Institute, as well as the author’s extensive conversations with Paulo Freire over two decades - Dr. Torres was Freire’s adviser during his tenure as Secretary of Education in the Municipality of São Paulo, Brazil, 1989-1991.

This important book looks at developments that are changing our understanding of the role of education in citizenship and the possibilities of democratic participation. The first chapter reviews theories of citizenship and education based on the classical contributions to political theory of C.B. MacPherson and T.H. Marshall. The second chapter challenges educators to think more politically about education. It is based on a seminal analysis that shows the role education plays in the liberal, neoliberal, and neoconservative state, incorporating critical perspectives from neo-Marxism, postmodernism, and feminism. In chapter three Professor Torres analyzes the transition from the welfare state to the neoliberal state, including the role of international organizations in promoting educational reform and privatization policies. In the concluding chapter Torres draws on Hobbes, Locke, Jefferson, Kant, Hegel, Marx and other writers such as C. Mouffe and C. Pateman to outline contemporary approaches to multiculturalism in education and citizenship.

Provides new insights on the lasting impact of famed philosopher and educator Paulo Freire50 years after the publication of his masterpiece, Pedagogy of the Oppressed, this book brings new perspectives on rethinking and reinventing Brazilian educator and philosopher Paulo Freire. Written by the most premier exponents and experts of Freirean scholarship, it explores the currency of Freire's contribution to social theory, educational reform, and democratic education. It also analyzes the intersections of Freire’s theories with other crucial social theorists such as Gramsci, Gandhi, Habermas, Dewey, Sen, etc. The Wiley Handbook of Paulo Freire studies the history and context of the man as a global public intellectual, moving from Brazil to the rest of the world and back. Each section offers insides on the epistemology of the global south initiated by Freire with his work in Latin America; the connections between class, gender, race, religion, the state and eco-pedagogy in the work of Freire; and the contributions he made to democratic education and educational reform.  Presents original theory and analysis of Freire’s life and workOffers unique and comprehensive analysis of the reception and application of Paulo Freire in international education on all continentsProvides a complete historical study of Freire’s contributions to educationSystematically analyzes the impact of Freire in teachers training, higher education, and lifelong learningThe Wiley Handbook of Paulo Freire is an ideal book for courses on international and comparative education, pedagogy, education policy, international development, and Latin America studies.

In the first volume in the Critical Global Citizenship Education series, Torres combines theoretical and empirical research to present an original perspective on global citizenship education as a vitally important way of learning in a globalized world. In examining the requirements for effective global citizenship education and education reform, he investigates pathways to citizenship-building at the local, national and global levels and urges development of teaching methods, teacher education, and curriculum within a social justice education framework. Taking into account post-colonial perspectives, political realities at play, and practical implications, Torres provides a succinct but comprehensive understanding of how global citizenship education can expand the concept of civic education in a global society and interrupt inequality. This volume considers the ways that global citizenship education has been incorporated and is used by international institutions, governments, and the academy, and provides a clear framework for anyone struggling to make sense of the tensions and complexities of global citizenship education today.

Building on Paulo Freire’s educational theory and critical pedagogy movements, this book provides a short and accessible introduction to ecopedagogy – Freirean environmental teaching and environmentalism overall. Ecopedagogy offers a political and educational vision that strives for a critical, culturally relevant forms of knowledge centred on sustainability for securing the future of our planet, ending all forms of oppression, and ensuring peace globally. Using examples from around the globe, Misiaszek shows how different populations (e.g., gender, race, ethnicity) are affected in unbalanced ways by ongoing environmental destruction and argues that these systematic socio-environmental inequalities are ignored in much of environmental teaching. He argues through reinventing Freire’s work that environmental justice is inseparable to social justice and should be seen as part of wider debates around, for example, globalization, development, citizenship, racism, feminism, neo/colonialization, and linguistics. The book calls for global and local approaches to understanding socio-environmental issues beyond anthropocentric models (beyond humans) and epistemologies of the North (e.g., Western knowledges). Written for anyone with an interest in environmentalism this book offers news ways of thinking and teaching about environmental crises we are living through.

Building on and inspired by the work of Paulo Freire, this book offers an accessible introduction to how children’s literature can be used in classrooms to explore cultural diversity and nurture collective qualities of shared joy, love and agency. The authors show how critical pedagogy and culturally responsive instruction can create meaningful ways for parents, teachers, and community leaders to engage with children's and young adult literature. The chapters include discussions of polyvocality, student voice, critical parent engagement, hip hop and digital popular culture. The authors demonstrate how readings of children’s literature, particularly multicultural literature, increase student joy, and engagement, reduce prejudice, and help students develop critical consciousness. Unique and theoretically grounded, the book presents many opportunities to weave the ideas of Freire into the fabric of K-12 schooling.