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John Dewey: A feminist consideration of his concepts of the individual and sociality
Abstract
This dissertation considers selected aspects of John Dewey's educational philosophy from a feminist perspective. As inquiry, it is a critical consideration of an established educational tradition. Most importantly, this inquiry suggests that through consideration, we may find relevant wisdom for our feminist educational theories and practices. The focus of this dissertation are John Dewey's concepts of the individual and sociality. Because both John Dewey's and feminist educational treatises are experience-centered, the consideration of the notions of the individual and of sociality is prudent. Through an examination of Dewey's construction of the individual and sociality, we are able to consider whether or not we can we apply Dewey's revisionist philosophy to our personal, political and social worlds. Do Dewey's concepts of the individual and the social have the characteristic connectedness that many feminists require? Do his conceptualizations of the individual and the social have anything of value for feminist agendas? Are feminist goals for the individual and sociality possible through a Deweyan conceptualization? Can Dewey's individual and sociality help fuel the feminist revolution? Concluding observations present the dangers of neglecting to consider past educational thought, feminist educational theorists' responsibilities, and the worth of reappropriating Dewey's concepts of the individual and sociality. By reappropriating John Dewey's concepts of the individual and sociality and using them as feminist pedagogical anchors, we are able to take possession of the cognitive powers of interdependence. From the consideration of feminist models of sociality, we can submit that a feminist model of friendship can serve as the means for attaining broader and more heightened intellectual abilities. The writings of John Dewey serve as primary sources while texts on feminist theory provide the parameters for analysis.
Subject Area
Education philosophy
Recommended Citation
Martinez Aleman, Ana Maria, "John Dewey: A feminist consideration of his concepts of the individual and sociality" (1992). Doctoral Dissertations Available from Proquest. AAI9233103.
https://scholarworks.umass.edu/dissertations/AAI9233103