Freire in a Changing World

Abstract

This article presents critical autoethnography as a socially just way of conducting research in marginalized, vulnerable communities. Combining autoethnography, ethnography, and critical pedagogy, the researcher becomes a participant/collaborator in the study, turning inward to examine the Self and the complexities of cultural perspectives through the lens of critical pedagogy. Through intense reflexivity and introspection, the researcher can examine Self as participant, not trying to present facts as objectively as possible, as occurs with autobiography, but rather acknowledging that the interpretation of facts reflects cultural perspectives shaped by years of sociocultural, sociohistorical, sociopolitical, and socioeconomic events and circumstances. Subsequently, the researcher, more than likely a member of the dominant culture in some categories, is able to understand herself as an oppressor.