Spencer & Mezirow Spencer and Thesis

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There are two aspects to the answer. In the first instance, as Mezirow states, the individual is connected in the context of transformational learning and education to the larger society. There are many examples of this connection, such as social norms and ideals that affect the issue of individual transformation. As referred to above, learning takes place in a social environment, which implies an intimate link between the individual and society.

However, at the same time it can be argued that individual transformation is personal in nature and has little in essence to do with transformation in the larger society. This refers to the psychological process of internal cognizance and awareness within the individual. As Mezirow states of personal transformation, "...personalized transformation does not guarantee social action." (Mezirow, 1994) This in essence exemplifies the difference between individual and social transformation.

In this light, Spenser also distinguishes between critical theory and critical thinking. He states that, the most important differences between the two is in their focus of study: critical thinking explores a world of objects from the perspective of the individual subject; that is, from the viewpoint of a human being as a self-conscious, autonomous, rational agent."

Bruce Spencer: Education for Transformation)

And that, "...unlike critical thinking, critical theory maintains that social norms and conventions distort the understanding of individual subjects.

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.." (Bruce Spencer: Education for Transformation)

In other words, this implies that while theoretical and critical views may differ, there is such a thing as the individual separate and distinguishable from the society. Therefore, the individual is not in all instances linked to or constructed by the society. There is an individual as well as a social identity.

This complex and often convoluted argument has its origins in sociological and socio-psychological theory about identity that extends from Marxist conceptions of the social being to postmodern deconstruct of the myth" of personal identity. While the debate may rage about the critical as opposed to the theoretical approaches to identity and the emphasis on the social as opposed to individual identity, the argument must take into account the fact that personal identity divorced from society is possible. As Spenser states, "...critical theory maintains that social norms and conventions distort the understanding of individual .." (Bruce Spencer: Education for Transformation)

In conclusion, the answer to this question is necessarily ambiguous. In many instances, the transformation of the individual is connected to the society and aspects of societal transformation. However, at the same time it is also true that individual transformation can take place internally and is subjective psychological process that may or may not have anything to do with the larger culture or.....

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