Sixteenth International Conference on New Directions in the Humanities

Abstract

Are we holding on to assumptions that are supporting a system which perpetuates inequality? Through the lens of the de-schooling movement this paper questions the assumption of schooling as a universal good and explores the role of schooling in the underdevelopment of agency in the North American context. The theories of John Holt, Paulo Friere, and Ivan Illich are used to examine the role of our institutions in the development of the expert and a mistrust in the capacity of ordinary people. Within the context of modern poverty in Canada, parallels are found between the cycle of shame perpetuated by the Food Charity Model and the institutionalization of what Friere calls false generosity. How can we as intellectuals/experts challenge ourselves to consider philosophies that may provide insight into contemporary issues? Counter examples of hope in practice are presented in the form of Community Action Training facilitated through Community Food Centres Canada, as well as internationally, in the form of farmer-to-farmer pedagogical practices of the small scale sustainable agriculture movement, La Via Campesina.