The Transformative Power of Pedagogical Love as Transcultural Resource
摘要
Diverse studies highlight the transformative potential of pedagogical love—an educational philosophy inspired by thinkers such as Paulo Freire and bell hooks. In adult education, pedagogical love fosters relational, emotional, and structural conditions that enhance learning outcomes, empower learners, and promote self-esteem, agency, and antifragility. It establishes a foundation for learners to engage with social and cultural complexities with confidence and purpose. Findings from qualitative studies conducted between 2021 and 2024 are examined through the lens of Martha Nussbaum’s Capability Approach, highlighting their relevance within WEIRD (Western, Educated, Industrialized, Rich, Democratic) educational paradigms. While the studies themselves are not explicitly rooted in Nussbaum’s approach, her perspective offers an additional theoretical lens to illuminate the ethical and structural dimensions of pedagogical love. The analysis reveals how pedagogical love addresses the limitations of WEIRD paradigms by prioritizing relational awareness, cultural responsiveness, and holistic development. The integration of these perspectives reimagines adult education as a transformative space where learners can realize their potential, advocate for social justice, and build capabilities essential for a dignified and equitable life. By bridging relational and structural dimensions, pedagogical love emerges as a profound ethical and political force in reshaping education, advancing inclusive societal change, and deepening our collective understanding of love.