Antonio Gramsci: A Pedagogy to Change the World

This volume provides evidence for the argument of a central place of pedagogy in the interpretation of Gramsci’s political theory. Gramsci’s view that ‘every relationship of hegemony is necessarily a pedagogical relationship’ makes it imperative to dismiss narrow and formal interpretations of his educational theories as applying to schooling only. This book argues that what is required rather is an inquiry into the Italian thinker’s broad conceptualisation of pedagogy, which he thought of as a quintessential political activity, central to understanding and transforming society. Preceded by a broad introduction that positions Gramsci in his context and in the literature, the essays in this book critically revisit the many passages of the Prison Notebooks and pre-prison writings where Gramsci addresses the nexus between politics and pedagogy. Some essays apply those concepts to specific contexts. The book for the first time brings to the attention of an English-speaking audience voices from the current historiography in Italy and Latin America.We are forced at regular intervals to consider how Gramsci might still be useful, in particular national territories, in an international context. How can we carry on with pessimism of the intelligence, but find some basis for optimism of the will? From the foreword of Anne Showstack Sassoon, Visiting Professor of Politics at the Department of Politics at Birbeck, University of London

“This book about Gramsci and education presents 11 chapters of intensive writing that argue for the continued relevance of the Sardinian intellectual. … The themes attract specific research interests and include what those familiar with Gramsci would expect, among others … . Interestingly, the most direct references to actual groups … are from Latin America. … The editors deserve praise for this initiative supporting a pedagogy to change the real world in a present that features the pessimism … .” (Joseph Gravina, Convergence, Vol. 43 (2), 2022)“This new text on Gramsci, from editors Nicola Pizzolato and John Holst, is an important intervention into international conversations on Gramsci’s major contributions not only to social theory, but to educational theory specifically. … In my opinion, this emphasis on the notion of praxis, including the lived conscious reality, is a needed strength and important contribution of this text.” (Sara Carpenter, Canadian Journal for the Study of Adult Education, cjsae, Vol. 33 (1), 2021)“Antonio Gramsci: A pedagogy to change the world offers a critical review of recent developments around Gramsci’s revolutionary pedagogy. … I would highly recommend anyone with an interest in the revolutionary potential of education to get ahold of a copy of this book. There is still much work to be done with Gramsci and education. Hopefully, this book will reignite an interest in the work of Gramsci as a particularly useful theorist.” (Anthony Friend, Power and Education, Vol. 12 (2), 2020)“The book under review is a great critical contribution in this direction and offers its readers a variety of approaches to better understand Gramsci’s work … . the present volume is very successful in advancing our understanding of Gramsci’s work and his vital contribution to educational theory as a system which is not confined to schooling and as an essential piece in the process of social change.” (Zvi Bekerman, International Review of Education, Vol. 66, 2020)“The volume is definitely about education/pedagogy and hegemony and mirrors much of the work of Gramsci, whose overall political project was an educational one. … I wholeheartedly recommend this book to adult educators and all those interested in critical education.” (Mervin Chisholm, Adult Education Quarterly, November 01, 2018)