ABSTRACT

This chapter outlines Paulo Freire’s immense contribution to critical pedagogy for social work. The chapter begins with a brief review of Freire’s life and early work which shaped his understanding of the world and formed the basis of his pedagogical and practice philosophy. The account includes how his first-hand experience of the ravaging effects of poverty and social disadvantage had informed his work in education with marginalised groups and classes. The chapter focuses on Freire’s critique of the banking model of education and the philosophy of education that he propounded. Noting how the banking model serves to entrench unequal social relations and the subservience of oppressed peoples, Freire argued for the critical interrogation of traditional education and the radical rethinking of education toward an emancipatory, problem-solving approach that enables the poor and disadvantaged to reclaim their humanity and free themselves from the shackles of oppression and domination. His influence extends well beyond the traditional bounds of education and touches on various forms of social work across the globe. The chapter ends with a note on the applications of Freire’s critical pedagogy in social work.