ABSTRACT
This chapter begins with the author’s biographical reflection to set the scene of growing up working class, poor and disadvantaged, going through the state education system to later, in adulthood, becoming a critical thinker. In this reflection, the author draws from the theories of Marx and Bourdieu and relates to Paulo Freire in terms of critical thought.
The aim of this chapter is to offer a deeper insight into the rationale for this study. Before the author could reflect upon what makes others who they are, to reach an accurate understanding of their experiences and how these experiences have shaped their thoughts and behaviours in what Bourdieu calls a ‘socio-analysis’ (Bourdieu, 1991), she felt she must first recognise her own empowerment as a form of power. This recognition was to overcome ethical dilemmas such as biases and assumptions she potentially held of a working class background, schooling experiences and inequalities and the affect these can have on adulthood.
