Person-Centered Approach as Conscientizacao

Abstract

In Carl Rogers on Personal Power (1977), Rogers devotes almost a whole chapter to what he sees as remarkable similarities between "person-centered approaches" and the pedagogical strategies of Brazilian educator, Paulo Freire. During the last 13 years I have heard such similarities debated in almost every context in which the social and political implications of person-centered approaches are considered. Many Rogerians and other North American humanistic psychologists believe there is a similarity. Freirians and many Third World humanistic psychologists often disagree. This article introduces some new reflections on the work of both men that might be useful to those committed to a search for a more humane world. I hope to establish that the differences of opinion regarding the work of the two men are legitimate, that is, they are based in real differences. However, I also want to show it possible to reconcile these differences by considering the deeper underlying precepts of Freire and Rogers. Through examination of large group person-centered workshops I suggest that a reconsideration of what may be at the base of the ideas of the two men could point the way to possible new discoveries about our human nature and our human future.