Exploring different perspectives of Social Pedagogy: towards a complex and integrated approach.

Authors

  • Xavier Úcar Dpt. Pedagogia Sistemática y Social. Universidad Autónoma de Barcelona. Spain

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.14507/epaa.v21n36.2013

Keywords:

pedagogy, social pedagogy, educational theory

Abstract

Some characterizations describe social pedagogy as a broad, complex, ambiguous and problematic concept that applies to very different things. This is due to the simplicity of the tools used to approach such a complex area. A change of perspective to interpret social pedagogy as a hybrid and complex subject may transform the alleged deficiencies into strengths and promise. This paper provides elements that enable such a change. To this end, some misunderstandings regarding social pedagogy are presented. These misunderstandings are scenarios and factors that have contributed (1) to the generation of inaccuracies and confusions about what social pedagogy is, could, or should do, and (2) to the projection of an inconsistent and poorly defined image of social pedagogy, i.e. a discipline without method and an ineffective and inefficient practice for solving social problems. The social pedagogy that emerges from the six misunderstandings (cognitive, policy-related, scientist, action-related, normative and social) is complex. From the new perspective, it is more of a hybrid subject (a concept, a discipline and a practice) that is complex, open, dynamic and ever changing.

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Author Biography

Xavier Úcar, Dpt. Pedagogia Sistemática y Social. Universidad Autónoma de Barcelona. Spain

Xavier Úcar is Full Professor of Social Pedagogy. He specializes in Social Pedagogy and Design and the Evaluation of Socio-cultural Animation Programs and Community Development Programs. He is President of the Iberoamerican Society of Social Pedagogy (SIPS). He is co-director of the Collection of books on “Community Action and Social-Educative Action” by Graó Publishers. He has written more than 100 publications including books, book chapters and journal articles. http://uab.academia.edu/XavierUcar

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Published

2013-04-30

How to Cite

Úcar, X. (2013). Exploring different perspectives of Social Pedagogy: towards a complex and integrated approach. Education Policy Analysis Archives, 21, 36. https://doi.org/10.14507/epaa.v21n36.2013

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Section

Articles