What Counts? Examining Academic Values and Women's Life Experiences from a Critical Feminist Perspective

Authors

  • Patricia Gouthro Mount St. Vincent University

Abstract

Women comprise the majority of students in adult education, but the experiences of women continue to be marginalized and devalued in the academic sphere. This article provides an exploration of the current critical analysis of the marketplace influence on adult education, and a comparative feminist analysis with a critical perspective. I argue for the development of a critical feminist approach to adult education that acknowledges the importance of women's life experiences and connections to the homeplace. Various research studies are correlated with my own experience to provide an alternative value set from which to challenge existing marketplace influences within academia, and redefine the way society assesses "what counts" as important work and learning experiences. The critical discourse I advocate supports the work that women do in the homeplace, as students and as academics; the process can lead to a more holistic and inclusive approach to adult education.

Résumé

Bien que les femmes représentent la majeure partie de l'effectif étudiant dans les programmes de formation pour adultes, leurs expériences continuent à être marginalisées et dévalorisées dans les milieux universitaires. Cet article explore l'analyse critique actuelle portant sur l'influence du marché dans le domaine de la formation pour adultes et offre une analyse féministe comparative fondée sur une perspective critique. J'y prône le développement d'une approche féministe critique en matière de formation pour adultes, qui tienne compte de l'importance des expériences vécues par les femmes et des liens qu'elles entretiennent avec la maison. L'article présente diverses études qui corroborent mon expérience et mettent de l'avant un nouvel ensemble de valeurs. Ces valeurs contribuent à remettre en question l'influence du marché dans les milieux universitaires et à redéfinir la manière par laquelle on évalue 'ce qui compte' vraiment sur les plans du travail et des expériences d'apprentissage. Par ce discours critique, j'entends appuyer le travail que font les femmes à la maison, en tant qu'étudiantes et en tant que chercheurs; ce processus est susceptible de mener à une approche en matière de formation pour adultes qui soil plus globale et respectueuse des différences.

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Published

2002-05-01

How to Cite

Gouthro, P. (2002). What Counts? Examining Academic Values and Women’s Life Experiences from a Critical Feminist Perspective. Canadian Journal for the Study of Adult Education, 16(1), 1–19. Retrieved from https://cjsae.library.dal.ca/cjsae/article/view/1891

Issue

Vol. 16 No. 1 (2002)

Section

Articles

License

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