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A Critical Theoretical Perspective on Education and Social Change in Bolivia: A Contested Alternative Pedagogy

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Education and Social Change in Latin America

Part of the book series: Marxism and Education ((MAED))

Abstract

In Bolivia, education is seen by many as a promising way out of a life in poverty and marginalization. Similarly, hope is often mentioned in relation to processes of social change, as the epigraph reveals. This education-hope-change nexus becomes particularly relevant in highly unequal societies, such as Bolivia, where historically marginalized groups struggle with great anticipation for a better future. With a “politics of change,” the new Bolivian government endeavors—in any case discursively—a restructuring of the economy, politics and society, with education being perceived as a mayor vehicle for such transformations.

You have to be committed to study, to become the light and hope that Bolivia needs for its development.

President Morales in an address to secondary school students in Santa Cruz (Ministerio de Educacion de Bolivia, 2011)

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Authors
  1. Mieke T. A. Lopes Cardozo
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Sara C. Motta Mike Cole

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© 2013 Sara C. Motta and Mike Cole

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Cardozo, M.T.A.L. (2013). A Critical Theoretical Perspective on Education and Social Change in Bolivia: A Contested Alternative Pedagogy. In: Motta, S.C., Cole, M. (eds) Education and Social Change in Latin America. Marxism and Education. Palgrave Macmillan, New York. https://doi.org/10.1057/9781137366634_6

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