conscientization

English

Etymology

From Portuguese conscientização.

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /ˌkɒnʃəntaɪˈzeɪʃən/

• Audio (Southern England)

  (file)

Noun

conscientization (uncountable)

1. (sociology, education) A social concept, grounded in Marxist critical theory, that focuses on achieving an in-depth understanding of the world, allowing for the perception and exposure of social and political contradictions.
   • 1994, John L. Elias, Paulo Freire: Pedagogue of Liberation, Krieger Publishing Company, page 123:

     Conscientization includes exchanges of ideas, debates, discussions, and working with students and not on them. Freire fashions conscientization as a process that results from confrontation with the world; it also entails constant research as well as invention and reinvention.

Synonyms

• critical consciousness

Related terms

• conscientize