CHAPTER 8

ILLITERACY AND POVERTY: LIBERAL VS. CRITICAL VIEWS

Introduction

The present chapter and the one following it consist of an evaluation of the core argument of the liberal perspective, i.e. that illiteracy,, or low educational attainment, is one of the principal causes of unemployment and poverty. As we have seen, the critical perspective rejects the notion of a causal association between illiteracy and poverty, arguing instead that poverty is primarily caused by the capitalist economic structure. According to this view, illiteracy commonly accompanies poverty and to some degree reinforces it, but it does not in itself cause it.

Now, these competing conclusions are amenable to empirical test. That is, the liberal and critical perspectives are not simply philosophical positions, they also purport to accurately describe and explain social reality. This may seem too obvious to require explicit mention in the case of the liberal position, since it is generally recognized as appealing to, and building upon, current social science theory and research. However, it may seem less apparent in the case of the critical perspective because, as we argued above, a formal political economic analysis exists for the most part only ‘symptomatically' in Freire's writings, which lean toward cultural and philosophical issues. However, Freire does rely on Marxist assumptions, as do many Canadian adult basic educators inspired by his work, and when the work of Marxist social scientists, particularly political economists, sociologists and historians, is applied to. the general problems addressed by the critical perspective, a more coherent political economic perspective takes shape--one which can be counterposed to the liberal perspective.

Given its brevity, the present chapter can only serve as an introduction to a critique of the liberal perspective. The question of their role of illiteracy in the causation of poverty is complex and merits the consideration of a great deal more empirical evidence than can be presented here. However, the evidence is sufficient to raise serious doubts about the conclusions of the liberal perspective and to establish that the critical perspective--while admittedly an emerging and incomplete position--is a serious social scientific and practical alternative.