In Paulo Friere's book Pedagogy of the Opressed he discusses his theory of the banking education and problem posing education. Friere takes a critical look at the traditional education system and works to create a more progressive education system that would be more of a benefit for students. Chapter two of his book brings to light his idea of the banking method. [Here is a link that summarizes Chapter 2!] The banking method is the way in which traditionally teachers “deposit” information into the students brains (Freire 72, 2000). This transfer of information does not engage the student however, it is the notion that the teacher has all of the information and that the student has to absorb and accept the information being given to them (Freire 73, 2000). The banking method places the teacher on a pedestal. They are thought to be all knowing, the discipliners, the enforcer of choices, etc. (Freire 73, 2000).
I grew up in a family which encouraged the pursuit of a higher education in order to obtain higher paying professional jobs after graduation. For my family, education was always the highest priority and I was always taught that education should be my focus and not working. I was fortunate enough to have a family that could support me financially through my academic years so that I would not have to work during the school year and only work during the summer months. However, for most of my friends and peers this was not the case. With the price of university rising and the high cost of living many of the people I go to school with have to work during the academic year. I would like to argue that not only does this affect their education but it also affects the students in their classes.
Bourdieu’s concept of cultural capital is present in our everyday education. One aspect of our education system that especially highlights the presence of class-based cultural capital is private schools. Private schools are based around the very idea that only a specific group of people will be able to attend and obtain the education they provide. By charging people money for a ‘better’ education private schools are excluding any classes that would not be able to afford the charges. Although class is not specifically determined by the amount of wealth a person possesses, private schools are able to deter the majority of the lower and some of the middle class from obtaining this education by making tuition unreasonable for those classes.
Bourdieu’s concept of cultural capital is present in our everyday education. One aspect of our education system that especially highlights the presence of class-based cultural capital is private schools. Private schools are based around the very idea that only a specific group of people will be able to attend and obtain the education they provide. By charging people money for a ‘better’ education private schools are excluding any classes that would not be able to afford the charges. Although class is not specifically determined by the amount of wealth a person possesses, private schools are able to deter the majority of the lower and some of the middle class from obtaining this education by making tuition unreasonable for those classes.