Reproduction or transformation? Contemporary radical discourse in education (Part II)

Abstract

The problem with reproduction theories was that they over-emphasized the success of capital in determining the character and direction of social institutions and in fulfilling its needs. Human being seemed to have no other alternative in front of them than to accept these dictates and to enter into dehumanizing and damaging relationships in a variety of social sites and with reference to Iife-chances generally (Wright, 1978). Much more fruitful was the exploration of I he ways individual and groups resisted this imposition, and acted in such ways as to win spaces for themselves within large, impersonal and undemocratic structures.