A Tryst with Alternative Pedagogies: Ivan Illich and Paulo Freire

Apart from the dissemination of skills and knowledge, education is also meant to be a tool of social and political empowerment, freedom, inclusiveness and enrichment of each individual’s existence in society. However, proponents of alternative educational approaches have pointed to the ‘self-defeating’ nature of traditional schooling systems wherein students have limited influence over educational choices and are required to follow set rules and meet certain predetermined standards. Furthermore, they aver that educational systems aid the reproduction of inequality in society. This article engages with the unique and forceful pedagogical models proposed by Ivan Illich and Paulo Freire, which constitute two important strands in critical pedagogy. It coaxes us to take a fresh look at the restrictive nature of institutionalised education.