The following resource is taken from the Trainers Library with permission granted by NaturKultur.
One definition of social transformation is the process by which an individual alters the socially ascribed social status of their parents into a socially achieved status for themselves. However, another definition refers to large-scale social change as in cultural reforms or transformations. Non-formal learning induces changes and advocates for transformation.
It has been suggested that the educational system highlights changes in society due to the fact that it is a society that sets these norms and values which are reproduced in the educational institution. Society attempts to reproduce common values, norms and beliefs through the form of education.
Yet as we are aware in contemporary society, education has taken many different forms- from formal to non-formal It is the belief that in today’s changing society, regardless of age, gender or ethnicity, regardless of social class there is a type of education which credits you with desirable skills for future employees.
In the analysis of the relationship between education and social change, the question is: How does education lead to social change? In the association between education and modernisation, the main question is: what kind of education and under what conditions will it generate and strengthen the process of modernisation in a society? How much training can provide opportunities for social transformation in the specific area of Non-Formal Learning?
Dewey (2012) asserts that social change occurs when there are structural transformations of socioeconomic, political, family, religious and educational institutions, hence leading to a more equitable and just society. In many countries for example in South America, Non-formal Learning was playing directly and clearly, this role that Dewey is representing here. The nexus between non-formal education (NFE) and social change is one that has attracted the attention and interest of scholars. Another line of argument for social change is the conscientization model by Paulo Freire (1985). Freire (1985) contended that humans are the centre of any developmental process and, therefore, human resource development should be central to this process. For instance, NFEs should eradicate poverty and disease, promote a high level of literacy and foster political action among citizens and communities.
Social change, so, is part of the basic values of Non-Formal Education and has a very powerful and important impact on community development.
Exercises / how to apply it in everyday work:
In your training methodology, social transformation is:
-
-
-
Define how you understand social transforming your training design.
For each of those definitions, now define why it is like this (depending on the context, your approach, and your target group?
-
-
-
Is the social transformation approach always possible in design training? What are the challenges?
To complete this learning activity, go to the badge below to upload your exercise results and share your reflection.