Social Reconstructionism

Also called Critical Theory or Critical Pedagogy, Social Reconstructionism is an offshoot

of Pragmatism and Progressivism. It is concerned with addressing social questions with
passion in order to create a better society and worldwide democracy. Critical Theory is
very concerned with the notion of power structures. Its goal is to assist students with
recognizing oppressive authorities and systems, and with overcoming these conditions.

Theodore Brameld

Born at the turn of the 20th century, Theodore Brameld was the first to publicly support
the Social Reconstructionist theory of education. He believed that schools should be the
biggest proponent of social change in the world. At the time, his views were seen as too
radical to be institutionalized, but today his educational philosophy is utilized around the
world.

Importance on Education

Curriculum of Social Reconstructionists focuses on the student experience, is student

centered, and attempts to take on real problems of the world: hunger, violence,
oppression, and inequality. To accomplish this, and to handle controversial issues, there
is a focus on inquiry, dialogue, and perspectives. It is often seen as opposed to
“traditional schooling” which is seen as part of a disenfranchising system. Critical
Theory seeks to cause students to ‘unlearn’ what they have learned and to reflect, with
an emphasis on thinking critically, and to re-evaluate these systems. Through sharing
and empathy, students invent, and reinvent, the world.