The arts in individual transformation: examples from the recycling social movement in São Paulo, Brazil

Authors

  • Bruno de Oliveira Jayme University of Manitoba
  • Rebeca Heringer

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.15402/esj.v8i2.70757

Keywords:

Social Movement Learning, Arts-based Research, Recycling Cooperatives

Abstract

How does individual transformation unfold within social movement learning (SML), a territory that mainly embodies learning as a collective practice? What are the roles of visual arts in mediating such transformation? We answer these questions by exploring discourses that emerged during visual arts workshops facilitated with members of the recycling social movement in São Paulo, Brazil. To do so, we intertwine arts-based research, SML, and transformative learning theories informed by Vygotskian’s cognitive development approach as an analytical tool. Findings suggest that during the art-making process, recyclers construct their visual thought, which enables their empowerment and agency as fundamental mediators of individual transformation. 

Author Biographies

Bruno de Oliveira Jayme, University of Manitoba

is an assistant professor in the Faculty of Education, University of Manitoba. Email: bruno.jayme@umanitoba.ca or visit homepage at www.brunojayme.com 

Rebeca Heringer

has recently obtained her doctorate in the University of Manitoba’s Faculty of Education. 

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Published

2022-07-05

How to Cite

de Oliveira Jayme, B., & Heringer, R. . (2022). The arts in individual transformation: examples from the recycling social movement in São Paulo, Brazil. Engaged Scholar Journal: Community-Engaged Research, Teaching, and Learning, 8(1), 1–19. https://doi.org/10.15402/esj.v8i2.70757