History Of Critical Literacy Theory

Critical literacy is a framework for literacy teaching and learning that aims to empower human beings and challenge social injustice and inequalities. It has a long and rich history that draws from various theoretical traditions, such as critical theory, critical pedagogy, discourse analysis, and poststructuralism. Here is a brief overview of the history of critical literacy theory in about 1000 words:

Critical literacy theory can be traced back to the ancient Greek philosophers, such as Socrates and Plato, who engaged in dialogues that questioned the dominant ideologies and power structures of their time. They practiced a form of critical literacy that involved questioning, reasoning, and challenging assumptions.

In the modern era, critical literacy theory was influenced by the Frankfurt School, a group of intellectuals who developed a critical theory of society and culture in the 1920s and 1930s. They criticized the capitalist system, the mass media, and the authoritarian regimes that oppressed the masses and prevented them from achieving their full potential. They advocated for a dialectical and emancipatory approach to knowledge and action.

One of the most influential figures in critical literacy theory was Paulo Freire, a Brazilian educator and activist who developed a critical pedagogy of literacy in the 1940s and 1950s. He worked with the marginalized and illiterate populations in Brazil and other countries, and developed a method of literacy education that aimed to liberate them from the oppression of the dominant culture. He argued that literacy was not just a technical skill, but a political and ethical practice that enabled people to read the word and the world. He proposed a dialogical and problem-posing approach to literacy that encouraged learners to critically reflect on their own experiences and realities, and to take action for social change.

Another important contribution to critical literacy theory came from the New Literacy Studies, a group of scholars who challenged the traditional and narrow views of literacy as a set of skills and competencies. They argued that literacy was a social and cultural practice that varied across contexts and communities, and that involved multiple modes and media of communication. They introduced the concept of multiliteracies, which

History Of Critical Literacy Theory image

History Of Critical Literacy Theory