Criticality, pedagogy and the promises of radical democratic education

This chapter asks what, if anything, critical education can contribute to the defence and creation of democracy in ‘post-democratic’ societies. It argues that the traditions of critical pedagogy have much to offer this project, but also that those seeking to engage with them need to do so creatively. It introduces a range of work in the critical-pedagogical tradition, showing that each one offers a different definition of ‘criticality’; and illustrates how these are relevant for students and teachers who want to create deeper and more radical democratic forms of life.