Seminar - CONSCIENTIZATION

CONSCIENTIZATION

                  The term conscientization is derived from the Portuguese word 'conscientizacae'. The term was coined by Brazilian educator, Paulo Freire in his work pedagogy of the oppressed. Conscientization means to give conscious awareness to people in which men,not as recipients,but as knowing subjects achieve a deepening awareness both of the socio-cultural reality that shapes their lives and of their capacity to transform that reality.

                   Conscientization was mean to apply to the process of developing consciousness,the consciousness that is understood to have the power of transform. conscientization is not mere learning of facts but learning to reflect and act on their reflection,i.e.,conscious reflection and positive action for the development and well being of the society. The objective of conscientization is to power of knowledge and resources of groups,by facilitating a learning process that would critical consciousness.

                  Conscientization is an ongoing process where by one becomes aware of factors and conditions that cause oppression. Freire explains the process in which people not as recipients,but knowing subjects,achieve a deepening awareness of the socio-cultural reality which shapes their lives and their capacity to transform that reality. It is the process of liberation of the oppressed from the oppressing situation.

                Empowerment of people is possible through education, conscientization and political mobilization. In conscientization we try to make people aware of the hardships they face in the poorer regions of the world. The process also aims to win the heart of the opressors with love, education and peaceful methods.

 AREAS WHERE CONSCIENTIZATION NEEDED

There are many areas where conscientization is needed so that the people who remain silent may be aware of the reality and their capacity to react to it.They are :

•      Social

Careful consideration of the social life of the people of the age will reveal that an atmosphere of corruption, narrow minded parochialism and a spirit of communalism  are prevailed everywhere. Corruption is very much prevalent even among the educated people.communalism and casticism are the other social evils that have become common in our public life. The pity is that many people do not react to these undesirable tendencies. It is only through education that this attitude can be changed 

•     Exploitation of children

Poverty, unemployment, drugs, bullying and racism are the ordeals that children as well as young people face today. When livelihoods fail they give up school and are neglected in health and nutritional terms, and take up paid and unpaid labour. One of the worst forms of child labour is child prostitution. The only way to stop this evil is to conscientize people who directly or indirectly become its prey. Poor, illiterate parents should be made aware of the dangers lurking around the society.                                                                                     

•    Political

The individuals should be made aware of the political ideologies so that they can analyse or critically evaluate them and contribute to the political well being.They should also be made aware of their political rights especially their right to vote.They should be aware that they are not passive viewers in the politics but has significant role to play in the political set up of their community or nation.

•    Family Planning

           Scientific progress has made man the master of universe but resulted in the loss of self                        control.This paved way to one of the disastrous problem of population explosion growth.                     many in this modern world adopt an indifferent attitude to 'Family Planning'.They should  be               made aware of the adverse effect it has on the economic and social conditional of a society.                 

·         AIDS

     This is yet another area which needs immediate attention. HIV assaults the protective fabric of society.The ignorance and lack of scientific knowledge regarding this disease lead to the spreading of this dreadful diseases. People should also be made aware of the various ways of spreading this disease.

• Attitude towards women and dowry       

Indian women are the most exploited section since they are not aware of their rights and privileges. In the modern society there still exist among men, a tendency to exploit women. The only way to liberate them from this depressing and deplorable situation is, to conscientize them. It would enable the women to take independent decisions in marriage and other personal matters. They should also be enable to voice against any sort of exploitation or abuse and fight against such social evils. 

·     Health and Hygiene

      Health is defined as the state of complete physical , mental and social well-being. People should be made aware of the fact that health is wealth. People should be conscientized to maintain good health habits and also should be made aware of the proper nutrition. People should be made aware of the personal hygiene. Only personal and environment hygiene can reduce the risk of contagious disease.

·     Drug Abuse and Alcoholism

The whole world is in the grip of these social evils. The emotional instability and lack of proper guidance,family problems and lack of care and love are the causes of this evil. This evil cannot be controlled through forceful action. People should be made aware of the adverse effects it has on the self and the society.

·         Environmental issues 

The progress and modernization has promoted men to exploit the natural resources beyond the sustaining capacity of earth. The greed for comforts coupled with the population explosion has aggravated the depletion of natural resources. They should be conscientized , about the impact of the pollution on the ecosystem and the existence of life on earth. They should be made aware of the adverse effects of  pollution, the need for pollution control and means to control environmental pollution.

CONCLUSION

    The people can be conscientized by including these aspects in the curriculum and transacting it in interesting manner also through role-plays,street plays,debated,discussion,movies,field trips etc. The aim of the conscientization process is to build a dynamic force, never compromising with the status of the tradition thinking, attitude and habits. Education should arouse,sustain and perpetuate interest in change and growth of processes.