Based in a holistic exposition and appraisal of Gramsci's writings that are of relevance to education in neoliberal times, this book--rather than simply applying Gramsci's theories to issues in education--argues that education constitutes the leitmotif of his entire oeuvre and lies at the heart of his conceptualization of the ancient Greek term hegemony that was used by other political theorists before him. Starting from this understanding, the book goes on to compare Gramsci's theories with those of later thinkers in the development of a critical pedagogy that can confront neoliberalism in all its forms.

About the Author
Peter Mayo is a Professor in the Education Department at the University of Malta. Most recent books include: Learning with Adults: A Critical Pedagogical Introduction (recipient of the 2013 Cyril O. Houle award), Politics of Indignation, Echoes form Freire for a Critically Engaged Pedagogy, Lorenzo Milani, the School of Barbiana and the Struggle for Social Justice.

Reviews

"Peter Mayo has written a book that will appeal to both experts on Gramsci and those newly interested in his work and education. Gramscian scholar Joseph Buttigieg (2015), writes in his preface that Mayo's book provides a "rich elaboration of ... [Gramsci's] early views on education as the acquisition of critical awareness and as the sine qua non in any effective political struggle for equality within a democratic society" (p.xii). For those new to Gramsci, the book offers pointed discussions on Gramsci's life, thought, and legacy regarding education. To those familiar with Gramsci's work, the book offers a well-written account his work on education and schooling and applies a Gramscian approach to contemporary issues. Thus, the book offers a basis for those wanting to engage with Gramsci's concepts and methods as tools to make sense of the impact of neoliberalism on education and the world."
Sheila Macrine, University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, Antipode: A Radical Journal of Georgraphy

'Overall, this book has been helpful in deepening our understanding of activism in adult education, particularly in relation to the ways education can be used in contesting hegemonic systems and structures. The purpose was to underscore counterhegemonic work as valuable in adult education.'
Mervin E. Chisholm, The University of the West Indies, Mona Campus, Kingston, Jamaica, Adult Education Quarterly

Book Information
ISBN 9781138286788
Author Peter Mayo
Format Paperback
Page Count 182
Imprint Routledge
Publisher Taylor & Francis Ltd
Weight(grams) 453g