Henry Giroux’s vision of critical pedagogy

This chapter explores Henry Giroux’s vision of critical pedagogy and its implications for social work education and practice. Giroux offers a rich, philosophical and political approach to education that can be applied to help reinvigorate social work as a critical project. His vision is committed to creating citizen activists who are cognisant of structural oppression, yet also connected with a sense of agency to work toward a radically democratic and just society. The implications of this are articulated for social work education and practice, particularly with regard to Giroux’s critique of neoliberalism and degradation of education. Giroux’s critique of technicist education, and his emphasis on the need for critical theories are highlighted and applied to the example of teaching social work practice skills through role-plays. Giroux’s concepts of educated hope and agency, and reconceptualisation of critical pedagogy beyond the classroom are also similarly explored in light of their relevance for social work.