Sen, Dewey, and Education

This book explores affinities between Amartya Sen’s capabilities approach and John Dewey’s notions of education for democracy andoffers new implications for educational policy and practice.

Written by Senian and Deweyan scholars, this collection compares, contrasts and combines the works of Sen and Dewey to flesh out the implications for educational policies, curriculum, and pedagogies that can help build a more cohesive society and stronger democracy. This book applies Sen’s work to Deweyan ideas of education for democracy, and examines the ways in which education can nurture individuals’ skills for meaningful participation in the economy and society. The chapters cover a range of topics, including human well-being and economic development, experiential education, children and schooling, cultural conceptions of freedom and democracy, and educational policy and practice. It also includes a critical literacy perspective of the moral implications of Dewey’s democratic education and Sen’s capabilities approach, exploring questions of power, privilege, and social justice.

Robert Karaba is Associate Professor in Educational Leadership at New Mexico Highlands University, USA.