Anarchism and Education

Anarchism and education have a rich and long-standing history, from contemporary Free Schooling experiments to historical models that occurred internationally, such as Francisco Ferrer's Moderna Escuela. These anarchist experiments in education have provided alternatives in rethinking the ways in which we educate each other. However, despite this long-standing tradition, anarchism is not taken seriously by critical scholars in education nor the general public at large. Exploring various historical models along with how contemporary education can engage with anarchist theory and practice provides alternative ways to think about the roles and functions of education and the interests it should serve. In particular, radical political practices, such as sabotage, will be highlighted as ways that anarchists can rethink contemporary models of pedagogy and praxis and ways that anarchists can embed themselves in hierarchical and coercive institutions.

Abraham DeLeon is an assistant professor in Education Leadership and Policy Studies at the University of Texas at San Antonio.