Ramon Flecha
Encyclopedia
José Ramón Flecha is a professor of sociology at the University of Barcelona
, Doctor Honoris Causa from West University of Timişoara
, and a renowned researcher in social sciences
in Europe. His work has contributed to the fields of sociology, critical pedagogy, and cultural studies. Alain Touraine
commented about Flecha's contribution: At times, as Ramón Flecha demonstrates, knowledge goes from bottom to top, when individuals without degrees produce and invent cultural analyses based on their own experience. Ulrich Beck
has said that Flecha's book Contemporary Sociological Theory: combines rigorous research with facts, including the intention for a dialogical utopia. But this broad intention is presented in the book, joining theory with critique and empirical research with praxis, in such a charming way that it grabs its readers and captures them under its spell.
Flecha has dedicated his life to the development of theories and practices that overcome social inequalities (Flecha 1999; Flecha 2000). He developed the Dialogic Gatherings, the Learning Communities project, and the Communicative Methodology of Research. The dialogic gatherings are a bottom-up cultural movement today extended along different continents. The Learning Communities project is a program of educational and social transformation which has already got the transformation of 80 educational centers in Brazil, Chile and Spain. The Communicative Methodology of Research is of reference in the European Research Framework Program and has been increasingly used by scholars from different countries. At present, Flecha is the director of the largest study about educational systems in the Framework Program of Research
of the European Union
. His work has been published in twelve different languages, including Spanish, English, Chinese, German, French, Korean, Finnish, Romanian, and Portuguese. In 2010 took place the presentation of the doctoral thesis entitled "Aportaciones de Jesús Gómez y Ramón Flecha a las teorías y prácticas dialógicas (1965-2006)" [Contributions of Jesús Gómez and Ramón Flecha to the dialogic theories and practices (1965-2006)] (in process of publication) defended by Elisena Giner and directed by Donaldo Macedo, Floro Sanz and Luis Torrego. The auditorium was full of people from very different places of Spain. The dissertation ends as follows: we can teach boys and girls that their friendships, if they take care of them, cannot only do extraordinary things for their lives, but also improve the lives of all humanity.
. From 1969, and until the dawn of democracy in Spain, he was a member of the clandestine movement against Franco’s dictatorship (Giner, E., 2010). In 1978 he moved to live in a poor neighborhood in Barcelona, where he founded the Popular Centre La Verneda-Sant Martí, which cultural democratic task has been outlined by an article in the Harvard Educational Review
, that being the first Spanish educational experience published in this journal. His book Sharing Words (published in Spain, USA and China) develops a theory and practice of Dialogic learning
based on the narratives of the participants in the cultural activities at La Verneda-Sant Martí. The Dialogic learning
theory is today the theoretical foundation of the Learning Communities project and other cultural activities.
In 1991 Flecha founded CREA, the Center of Research on Theories and Practices which Overcome Inequalities, at the University of Barcelona
. CREA was one of the centers that initiated in 1999 the Science Park of Barcelona and is today internationally well-known for its theoretical developments in the social sciences and its international research oriented to the overcoming of inequalities. In 1995 Flecha founded the Learning Communities Project and, since then, he has directly collaborated in most of the 80 schools that have engaged in a process of socio-cultural and educational transformation through this program. The Learning Communities project has extended to Brazil and Chile, has gained governmental support in Spain, and is being studied as a successful educational practice for strengthening social cohesion in Europe. CREA has also developed a Communicative Methodology of research, which has been used in relevant European research projects, like Workaló, which main conclusion, the recognition of the Roma in Europe, was unanimously approved by the European parliament in April 2005. SAFO, the women’s group at CREA, broke the silence about gender violence in Spanish universities and Flecha supported them as the director of the center. In 2007, he received the Doctorate Honoris Causa by the University of West Timisoara.
Throughout his career, Flecha has given lectures around the world, in universities such as Harvard, Columbia
, Montpellier
, Aachen
, Glasgow
, Porto Alegre, Seoul
, and UNAM
. Flecha participated in The Harvard Education Forum celebrated on February 27, 1998; in honor of Paulo Freire
, alongside important international referents such as: Noam Chomsky
(Institute Professor and Professor of Linguistics, MIT), Eileen de los Reyes (Moderator, Assistant Professor HGSE
), Carolyn Higgins (Earlhm College), Yamila Hussein (HGSE
then master’s degree candidate), Donaldo Macedo
(UMass Boston), Nancy Richardson (associate dean for ministry, Harvard Divinity School
), and Ira Shor
(City College of New York
).
Currently, Flecha is the principal investigator of the research project INCLUD-ED: Strategies for inclusion and social cohesion from education in Europe Includ-ed, the only integrated project focused on school education in the Framework Program of Research of the European Union
.
University of Barcelona
The University of Barcelona is a public university located in the city of Barcelona, Catalonia in Spain. It is a member of the Coimbra Group, LERU, European University Association, Mediterranean Universities Union, International Research Universities Network and Vives Network...
, Doctor Honoris Causa from West University of Timişoara
West University of Timisoara
The West University of Timişoara is a university located in Timişoara, Romania. Established in 1962, it is organized in 11 Faculties.-Organization:...
, and a renowned researcher in social sciences
Social sciences
Social science is the field of study concerned with society. "Social science" is commonly used as an umbrella term to refer to a plurality of fields outside of the natural sciences usually exclusive of the administrative or managerial sciences...
in Europe. His work has contributed to the fields of sociology, critical pedagogy, and cultural studies. Alain Touraine
Alain Touraine
Alain Touraine is a French sociologist born in Hermanville-sur-Mer. He is research director at the École des Hautes Études en Sciences Sociales, where he founded the Centre d'étude des mouvements sociaux . He is best known for being the originator of the term "post-industrial society"...
commented about Flecha's contribution: At times, as Ramón Flecha demonstrates, knowledge goes from bottom to top, when individuals without degrees produce and invent cultural analyses based on their own experience. Ulrich Beck
Ulrich Beck
Ulrich Beck is a German sociologist who holds a professorship at Munich University and at the London School of Economics.-Life:...
has said that Flecha's book Contemporary Sociological Theory: combines rigorous research with facts, including the intention for a dialogical utopia. But this broad intention is presented in the book, joining theory with critique and empirical research with praxis, in such a charming way that it grabs its readers and captures them under its spell.
Flecha has dedicated his life to the development of theories and practices that overcome social inequalities (Flecha 1999; Flecha 2000). He developed the Dialogic Gatherings, the Learning Communities project, and the Communicative Methodology of Research. The dialogic gatherings are a bottom-up cultural movement today extended along different continents. The Learning Communities project is a program of educational and social transformation which has already got the transformation of 80 educational centers in Brazil, Chile and Spain. The Communicative Methodology of Research is of reference in the European Research Framework Program and has been increasingly used by scholars from different countries. At present, Flecha is the director of the largest study about educational systems in the Framework Program of Research
Research
Research can be defined as the scientific search for knowledge, or as any systematic investigation, to establish novel facts, solve new or existing problems, prove new ideas, or develop new theories, usually using a scientific method...
of the European Union
European Union
The European Union is an economic and political union of 27 independent member states which are located primarily in Europe. The EU traces its origins from the European Coal and Steel Community and the European Economic Community , formed by six countries in 1958...
. His work has been published in twelve different languages, including Spanish, English, Chinese, German, French, Korean, Finnish, Romanian, and Portuguese. In 2010 took place the presentation of the doctoral thesis entitled "Aportaciones de Jesús Gómez y Ramón Flecha a las teorías y prácticas dialógicas (1965-2006)" [Contributions of Jesús Gómez and Ramón Flecha to the dialogic theories and practices (1965-2006)] (in process of publication) defended by Elisena Giner and directed by Donaldo Macedo, Floro Sanz and Luis Torrego. The auditorium was full of people from very different places of Spain. The dissertation ends as follows: we can teach boys and girls that their friendships, if they take care of them, cannot only do extraordinary things for their lives, but also improve the lives of all humanity.
Biography
Ramon Flecha was born in 1952. In 1967 he collaborated in the creation of a center of cultural activities in the poorest area of his hometown, BilbaoBilbao
Bilbao ) is a Spanish municipality, capital of the province of Biscay, in the autonomous community of the Basque Country. With a population of 353,187 , it is the largest city of its autonomous community and the tenth largest in Spain...
. From 1969, and until the dawn of democracy in Spain, he was a member of the clandestine movement against Franco’s dictatorship (Giner, E., 2010). In 1978 he moved to live in a poor neighborhood in Barcelona, where he founded the Popular Centre La Verneda-Sant Martí, which cultural democratic task has been outlined by an article in the Harvard Educational Review
Harvard Educational Review
The Harvard Educational Review is a peer-reviewed academic journal of opinion and research dealing with education, associated with the Harvard Graduate School of Education, and published by the Harvard Education Publishing Group. The journal was established in 1930.Since 1945, editorial decisions...
, that being the first Spanish educational experience published in this journal. His book Sharing Words (published in Spain, USA and China) develops a theory and practice of Dialogic learning
Dialogic learning
Dialogic learning is the result of egalitarian dialogue; in other words, the consequence of a dialogue in which different people provide arguments based on validity claims and not on power claims. The concept of dialogic learning is not a new one. It is frequently linked to the Socratic dialogues...
based on the narratives of the participants in the cultural activities at La Verneda-Sant Martí. The Dialogic learning
Dialogic learning
Dialogic learning is the result of egalitarian dialogue; in other words, the consequence of a dialogue in which different people provide arguments based on validity claims and not on power claims. The concept of dialogic learning is not a new one. It is frequently linked to the Socratic dialogues...
theory is today the theoretical foundation of the Learning Communities project and other cultural activities.
In 1991 Flecha founded CREA, the Center of Research on Theories and Practices which Overcome Inequalities, at the University of Barcelona
University of Barcelona
The University of Barcelona is a public university located in the city of Barcelona, Catalonia in Spain. It is a member of the Coimbra Group, LERU, European University Association, Mediterranean Universities Union, International Research Universities Network and Vives Network...
. CREA was one of the centers that initiated in 1999 the Science Park of Barcelona and is today internationally well-known for its theoretical developments in the social sciences and its international research oriented to the overcoming of inequalities. In 1995 Flecha founded the Learning Communities Project and, since then, he has directly collaborated in most of the 80 schools that have engaged in a process of socio-cultural and educational transformation through this program. The Learning Communities project has extended to Brazil and Chile, has gained governmental support in Spain, and is being studied as a successful educational practice for strengthening social cohesion in Europe. CREA has also developed a Communicative Methodology of research, which has been used in relevant European research projects, like Workaló, which main conclusion, the recognition of the Roma in Europe, was unanimously approved by the European parliament in April 2005. SAFO, the women’s group at CREA, broke the silence about gender violence in Spanish universities and Flecha supported them as the director of the center. In 2007, he received the Doctorate Honoris Causa by the University of West Timisoara.
Throughout his career, Flecha has given lectures around the world, in universities such as Harvard, Columbia
Columbia University
Columbia University in the City of New York is a private, Ivy League university in Manhattan, New York City. Columbia is the oldest institution of higher learning in the state of New York, the fifth oldest in the United States, and one of the country's nine Colonial Colleges founded before the...
, Montpellier
University of Montpellier
The University of Montpellier was a French university in Montpellier in the Languedoc-Roussillon région of the south of France. Its present-day successor universities are the University of Montpellier 1, Montpellier 2 University and Paul Valéry University, Montpellier III.-History:The university...
, Aachen
RWTH Aachen
RWTH Aachen University is a research university located in Aachen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany with roughly 33,000 students enrolled in 101 study programs....
, Glasgow
University of Glasgow
The University of Glasgow is the fourth-oldest university in the English-speaking world and one of Scotland's four ancient universities. Located in Glasgow, the university was founded in 1451 and is presently one of seventeen British higher education institutions ranked amongst the top 100 of the...
, Porto Alegre, Seoul
University of Seoul
The University of Seoul is a public university located in Seoul, South Korea. It was founded as Kyung Sung Public Agricultural College in 1918 and renamed the University of Seoul in 1997. UOS is one of top 3 universities without medical school...
, and UNAM
Unam
UNAM or UNaM may refer to:* National University of Misiones, a National University in Posadas, Argentina*National Autonomous University of Mexico , the large public autonomous university based in Mexico City...
. Flecha participated in The Harvard Education Forum celebrated on February 27, 1998; in honor of Paulo Freire
Paulo Freire
Paulo Reglus Neves Freire was a Brazilian educator and influential theorist of critical pedagogy.-Biography:...
, alongside important international referents such as: Noam Chomsky
Noam Chomsky
Avram Noam Chomsky is an American linguist, philosopher, cognitive scientist, and activist. He is an Institute Professor and Professor in the Department of Linguistics & Philosophy at MIT, where he has worked for over 50 years. Chomsky has been described as the "father of modern linguistics" and...
(Institute Professor and Professor of Linguistics, MIT), Eileen de los Reyes (Moderator, Assistant Professor HGSE
Harvard Graduate School of Education
The Harvard Graduate School of Education is one of the graduate schools of Harvard University, and is one of the top schools of education in the United States. It was founded in 1920, the same year it invented the Ed.D...
), Carolyn Higgins (Earlhm College), Yamila Hussein (HGSE
Harvard Graduate School of Education
The Harvard Graduate School of Education is one of the graduate schools of Harvard University, and is one of the top schools of education in the United States. It was founded in 1920, the same year it invented the Ed.D...
then master’s degree candidate), Donaldo Macedo
Donaldo Macedo
Donaldo Macedo is a Cape Verdean-American critical theorist, linguist, and expert on literacy and education studies. Macedo is professor of English and a Distinguished Professor of Liberal Arts and Education at the University of Massachusetts Boston...
(UMass Boston), Nancy Richardson (associate dean for ministry, Harvard Divinity School
Harvard Divinity School
Harvard Divinity School is one of the constituent schools of Harvard University, located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, in the United States. The School's mission is to train and educate its students either in the academic study of religion, or for the practice of a religious ministry or other public...
), and Ira Shor
Ira Shor
Ira Shor is a professor at the City University of New York, where he teaches composition and rhetoric. In collaboration with Paulo Freire, he has been one of the leading exponents of critical pedagogy.-Biography:...
(City College of New York
City College of New York
The City College of the City University of New York is a senior college of the City University of New York , in New York City. It is also the oldest of the City University's twenty-three institutions of higher learning...
).
Currently, Flecha is the principal investigator of the research project INCLUD-ED: Strategies for inclusion and social cohesion from education in Europe Includ-ed, the only integrated project focused on school education in the Framework Program of Research of the European Union
European Union
The European Union is an economic and political union of 27 independent member states which are located primarily in Europe. The EU traces its origins from the European Coal and Steel Community and the European Economic Community , formed by six countries in 1958...
.
Publications
- Gómez, A., Puigvert, L. & Flecha R. (2011). Critical Communicative Methodology: Informing real social transformation through research. Qualitative Inquiry, 17 (3), 235-245.
- Soler, M., & Flecha, R. (2010). Desde los Actos de Habla de Austin a los actos comunicativos. Perspectivas desde Searle, Habermas y CREA. Special Issue: Communicative acts for social inclusion. Signos, 43(2), 363-375.
- Oliver, E.; Soler, M.; Flecha, R. (2009). Opening schools to all (women): efforts to overcome gender violence in Spain British Journal of Sociology of Education, Vol. 30, No. 2, pp. 207–218.
- Aubert, A.; Flecha, A.; García, C.; Flecha, R. y Racionero, S. (2008). Aprendizaje dialógico en la sociedad de la información. Barcelona: Hipatia.
- Gomez,J.; Latorre,A.; Sánchez,M.; Flecha,R. (2006). Metodología comunicativa crítica. Barcelona: Roure.
- Touraine, A.Alain TouraineAlain Touraine is a French sociologist born in Hermanville-sur-Mer. He is research director at the École des Hautes Études en Sciences Sociales, where he founded the Centre d'étude des mouvements sociaux . He is best known for being the originator of the term "post-industrial society"...
; Wieviorka, M.Michel WieviorkaMichel Wieviorka is a French sociologist, noted for his work on violence, terrorism, racism, social movements and the theory of social change....
; Flecha, R. et al. (2004). Conocimiento e identidad. Voces de grupos culturales en la investigación social. Barcelona: Roure - Flecha, R.; Gómez, J. & Puigvert, L. (2003): Contemporary Sociological Theory . New York: Peter Lang, also available in Spanish.
- Flecha, R. (2000): Sharing Words. Theory and Practice of Dialogic Learning. Lanham, M.D: Rowman & Littlefield, also available in Spanish and Chinese.
- Castells, M.Manuel CastellsManuel Castells is a sociologist especially associated with information society and communication research....
; Flecha, R.; Freire, P.Paulo FreirePaulo Reglus Neves Freire was a Brazilian educator and influential theorist of critical pedagogy.-Biography:...
; Giroux, H.Henry GirouxHenry Giroux, born September 18, 1943, in Providence, Rhode Island, is an American cultural critic. One of the founding theorists of critical pedagogy in the United States, he is best known for his pioneering work in public pedagogy, cultural studies, youth studies, higher education, media studies,...
; Macedo, DDonaldo MacedoDonaldo Macedo is a Cape Verdean-American critical theorist, linguist, and expert on literacy and education studies. Macedo is professor of English and a Distinguished Professor of Liberal Arts and Education at the University of Massachusetts Boston...
. & Willis, P.Paul WillisPaul Willis may refer to:* Paul Willis , American child actor of the silent film era* Paul Willis , British cultural theorist* Paul Willis , Scottish football player...
(1999): Critical Education in the New Information Age. Lanham, M.D: Rowman & Littlefield. Foreword by Peter MclarenPeter McLarenPeter McLaren is a Professor in the Division of Urban Schooling, the Graduate School of Education and Information Studies, University of California, Los Angeles . He is the author and editor of forty-five books and hundreds of scholarly articles and chapters...
. Also available in Spanish and Portuguese. - Flecha, R. (1999). Modern and postmodern racism in Europe: dialogic approach and anti-racist pedagogies, Harvard Educational Review, 69(2), 150-171.
- Flecha,R. & Gómez,J. (1995). Racismo, no, gracias; ni moderno ni postmoderno. Barcelona: Roure.
- Ayuste, A.; Flecha, R.; Lleras, J.; López. F. (1994). Planteamientos de la pedagogía crítica. Comunicar y transformar. Barcelona: Graó.
- Giroux, HHenry GirouxHenry Giroux, born September 18, 1943, in Providence, Rhode Island, is an American cultural critic. One of the founding theorists of critical pedagogy in the United States, he is best known for his pioneering work in public pedagogy, cultural studies, youth studies, higher education, media studies,...
.; Flecha, R. (1992). Igualdad educativa y differencia cultural. Barcelona: Roure. - Flecha, R. (1990). La nueva desigualdad cultural. Barcelona: Roure.
- Flecha, R. (1990). Educación de las personas adultas. Propuestas para los noventa. Barcelona: Roure.
- Flecha, R.; López, F.; Saco, R. (1988). Dos siglos de educación de adultos. De las Sociedades de Amigos del País a los modelos actuales. Barcelona: Roure.
External links
- The Paulo and Nita Freire International Project for Critical Pedagogy, retrieved 26 January 2009.
- Professor Flecha's website at the official site of the Includ-ed Project, retrieved 26 January 2009.
- Public Lecture given by Ramón Flecha at the Ikas.kom Congress (Bilbao, February 2008), retrieved 18 February 2009.
- Interview with Ramón Flecha on You Tube, retrieved, 18 February 2009.