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Critical Consciousness Theory

Critical Consciousness Theory

A Note on Freire

  • Theory: a lens in which we use analyze specific situations
  • Critical Consciousness Theory: the lens we use to analyze how oppression and privilege create "social and individual dysfunction." Developed by Paulo Freire (Critical Consciousness Theory).
  • His theory was a "response to the illiteracy rates of impoverished Brazilian people"
  • "Ignorance is a key tool in the maintenance of oppression" meaning that critical thinking is a tool used to resist oppression

Poetry as a Means of Communication

Dr. David Anderson Hooker on Critical Consciousness

Maya Angelo (1928-2014)

"Still I Rise"

by Maya Angelo

  • Prominent American poet, writer, and civil rights activist
  • I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings received international acclaim made the bestseller list.
  • The book was also banned in many schools during that time as Maya Angelou’s honesty about having been sexually abused opened a subject matter that had long been taboo in the culture.
  • Later, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings would become a course adoption at college campuses around the world.
  • "Still I Rise" discusses topics such as overcoming injustices and prejudices, perseverance against racism, building one's self-esteem, rejecting despair and searching for happiness

Critical Thinking

Critical Consciousness Theory

"[T]he art of thinking skeptically about information and knowledge"

  • question sources
  • review alternative theories
  • think beyond personal experiences
  • basing "true" knowledge on facts, not biases, emotions, stereotypes

https://poets.org/poem/still-i-rise

The Construct

Development

Developing a critical consciousness implies

  • using our critical thinking skills to "examine our current situations, develop a deeper understanding about our "concrete reality"
  • devising, implementing, and evaluating solutions for our problems
  • Anti-oppressive action occurs at the individual and community levels

"Focuses on the role of oppression and privilege in creating and sustaining social and individual dysfunction"

  • Social Dysfunction
  • proportional levels of unemployment
  • disease
  • crime
  • homelessness
  • lack of resources
  • Individual Dysfunction
  • Substance abuse
  • HIV risks
  • Criminal behavior
  • a critical consciousness happens through group dialogue, participatory action, and empowerment
  • Attending community meetings
  • joining organizations
  • serving community needs

Structural Inequalities

  • Structural Inequality: "a system of power imbalances maintained by social norms, organizations, policies, and individual behaviors informed by Eurocentric [culture and history] ideologies" that prevents a marginalized group from enjoying the same rights afforded to others
  • Incareration practices
  • "disproportionate of African Americans are incarcerated"
  • "institutionalized rules" keep convicted felons out of mainstream society

Thus, the dominate culture perpetuates oppression.

Works Cited

Angelo, Maya. "Still I Rise." https://poets.org/poem/still-i-rise.

"Critical Consciousness Theory." Newark Community Collaborative Board.http://newarkccb.org/framework/critical-consciousness-theory/.

"Dr. David Anderson Hooker on Critical Consciousness" Uploaded by Yale Youth Ministry Institute, 15 May 2019. https://youtu.be/LmhVNR79Jsw.

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