Cultural Action and Conscientization

In the May 1970 issue of the Review, Dr. Freire described the adult literacy process as an act of knowing through which a person is able to analyze critically the culture which has shaped him and to move toward reflection and positive action upon his world. Such education in Freire's view is cultural action for freedom, through authentic dialogue rather than for domestication. In this concluding section, the author proceeds to consider the philosophical basis and the social context of his own thought. With specific reference to Latin America, he discusses the emergence of the masses into the political process in the Third World and analyzes the levels of consciousness which characterize that emergence. Finally he discusses the nature and function of a truly liberating education in this period of historical transition.