CHAPTER NINE Literacy and Freedom

Literacy and Power: Literacy as a Social Construct Literacy is far more important now than ever before (e.g., agrarian society). “To be illiterate in today’s culture is to be significantly handicapped in the conduct of everyday affairs, to be so regarded and to be relegated to the ‘margins’ of mainstream life.” How does illiteracy “marginalize” people?

Literacy and Power: Literacy as a Social Construct Literacy defined: “...a general condition of access and ability to gain information that can be useful for the pursuit of general freedom and happiness.” In question form: “Do we have fair access to information-gathering skills and information sources that makes choice meaningful?” Tozer thinks not...

Literacy isn’t just about language... Digital Literacy- Cognitive skills that are used in executing tasks in digital environments Media Literacy- Ability to think critically about different types of media Information Literacy-Ability to evaluate, locate, identify, and effectively use info Technology Literacy- The ability to use technology effectively in several different ways Political Literacy- Knowledge and skills needed to actively participate in political matters Cultural Literacy- The knowledge of one's own culture Multicultural Literacy- The knowledge and appreciation of other cultures

Why is Literacy Important? Literacy = Self Empowerment Self Empowerment = Power Power = Self Direction Self Direction = Freedom Literacy is deeply tied to the ability to exercise one’s freedom.

Tozer Thinks We Have a Problem... 75% of the nation’s industrial assets were concentrated in 100 corporations Over half the utilities, banking, and transportation assets Over two-thirds of the nation’s insurance assets Over half the endowed assets in the nation’s private colleges and universities One-third of the nation’s daily newspapers Over nine-tenths of the nation’s broadcast news These special interest groups also occupy standing committees in congress, the four branches of military, and the supreme court.

Do You Agree? A Conspiracy? Tozer argues that “hegemonic” forces have “miseducated” students into accepting and endorsing the ruling elite. His reasoning…? The elite--to remain elite--must preserve their power They control media, education, and government. In effect: They prevent alternative ideas to flourish. Do You Agree?

Four Forms of Literacy Conventional Literacy “The ability to read and write…” In 1980, 99.5% of adults could read and write. The criterion--finishing 5th grade This also obscures the fact that literacy levels differ among groups.

Four Forms of Literacy Functional Literacy The definition was expanded in 1993: “...using printed and written information to function in society, to achieve one’s goals, and to develop one’s knowledge and potential.” Things are much more dire on this account: Jonathan Kozol argues “60 million people cannot read well enough to understand the antidote instructions on a bottle of kitchen lye, the instructions on a federal income tax return, or the questions on a life insurance form.”

Four Forms of Literacy Functional Literacy The functional literacy definition has limitations: 1. “Functional” suggests that good enough is good enough 2. Tends to lay “blame” on the victim (e.g., pull yourself up by the bootstraps!) “(i) The problem is with me. If I cannot get a job, or the job I want, it’s because of something about me rather than something about the world (e.g., shrinking markets…); (ii) If others do better than I do, that is because they are better than I am. If I want to do as well, then I have to improve. The ‘game’ or ‘race’ itself is proper, legitimate, beyond question. I’m just not a sufficiently skilled or competitive ‘player.’ (iii) To get better I will have to have my faults diagnosed and be taught how to improve. Others have this knowledge. It is not for me to determine the problem or the cure.”

Four Forms of Literacy Critical Literacy Hopes to empower local communities to see what will “secure or endanger” their freedom. Counters the message of dominant culture that oppressed people “[are] inferior and responsible for their location in the class structure.” Attends to how Knowledge & Power are inextricably linked. Core idea: All people should be empowered to think and act reflectively

Paulo Freire Four Forms of Literacy Critical Literacy The most important advocate of this view: Paulo Freire