Deriving a theory of learning from social movement practices

A systematic literature review

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.3384/rela.2000-7426.4334

Keywords:

social movement learning, systematic literature review, dialectics of learning and education, popular education, radical adult education

Abstract

The field of Adult Education is rich with general theories of learning but limited in terms of theories that inform social movement learning (SML). Today, there are several conceptualizations of SML, but little learning theory development based directly on empirical studies of SML. This article aims to present findings from a systematic literature review of empirical studies on social movement learning (SML). We collected and identified 69 empirical studies focusing on adult learning and education within social movements for this literature review. We purposely focused on empirical research studies and did not include works that conceptualise or theorise social movement learning outside of actual empirical studies of SML. From our review of empirical studies, we have identified five elements we believe could serve as the foundation of a theory of learning and education in social movements.

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Author Biographies

Mai Atta, The Pennsylvania State University

Mai Atta is a dual-degree doctoral student in Lifelong Learning and Adult Education, and Comparative and International Education at the Pennsylvania State University.

John Holst, The Pennsylvania State University

John D. Holst is the author of Social Movements, Civil Society, and Radical Adult Education, co-author with Stephen Brookfield of Radicalizing Learning, and co-editor with Nico Pizzolato of Antonio Gramsci: A Pedagogy to Change the World.

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Published

2023-02-14

How to Cite

Atta, M., & Holst, J. (2023). Deriving a theory of learning from social movement practices: A systematic literature review . European Journal for Research on the Education and Learning of Adults, 14(1), 177–196. https://doi.org/10.3384/rela.2000-7426.4334