Justice for the Excluded and Education for Democracy in B. R. Ambedkar and A. Gramsci. Issue 4 (2nd October 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Zene, Cosimo
• Is Part Of: Rethinking Marxism. Volume 30:Issue 4(2018)
• Page Start: 494
• Page End: 524
• Publication Date: 2018-10-02
• Subjects: B. R. Ambedkar -- Democracy -- John Dewey -- Educational Philosophy -- Antonio Gramsci; Communism -- Periodicals; Periodicals; 335.4305
• DOI: 10.1080/08935696.2018.1552047
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0893-5696

Abstract

Abstract : Building on the author's previous works discussing Gramsci's and Ambedkar's political philosophies in favor of subalterns and Dalits as well as the concept of "spirituality" through which they affirm their full humanity, this essay explores their envisaged role of education in allowing the excluded to achieve participation in the democratic process. After discussing scholarship around education and Gramsci, the essay examines the same topic for Ambedkar, noting their commonalities, with the help of work from Padma Velaskar and Shaikaja Paik. After examining Dewey's influence on Ambedkar's ideas on education, the essay emphasizes the latter's originality in adapting his teacher's pragmatism to the Indian milieu and considers those authors who have explored a closeness between Gramsci and Dewey. The conclusion suggests a return to the practical educational philosophy of Gramsci and Ambedkar as still indispensable in the contemporary scenario for making democracy effective for all.