This article aims to analyse the central role of authoritativeness in educational relationships. An initial terminological clarification will assert the need to give due weight to authoritativeness as distinct from authority and authoritarianism. The essential, irreplaceable function of authoritativeness in educational processes will then be analysed. Learning takes place, in fact, only in situations of asymmetry between those taking part. The delicate functioning of the authoritative educational relationship depends on an unequal distribution of power aimed solely at maturing the learner’s critical capacities. It follows that autonomy – the facile fetish of subjectivist educational theory – can be achieved only through acceptance of a well-established authoritative relationship.

The Role Of Authoritativeness In Educational Relationships: A Theoretical Reflection

pier paolo bellini
2018-01-01

Abstract

This article aims to analyse the central role of authoritativeness in educational relationships. An initial terminological clarification will assert the need to give due weight to authoritativeness as distinct from authority and authoritarianism. The essential, irreplaceable function of authoritativeness in educational processes will then be analysed. Learning takes place, in fact, only in situations of asymmetry between those taking part. The delicate functioning of the authoritative educational relationship depends on an unequal distribution of power aimed solely at maturing the learner’s critical capacities. It follows that autonomy – the facile fetish of subjectivist educational theory – can be achieved only through acceptance of a well-established authoritative relationship.
File in questo prodotto:
Non ci sono file associati a questo prodotto.

I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.

Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/11695/76341
Citazioni
  • ???jsp.display-item.citation.pmc??? ND
  • Scopus 0
  • ???jsp.display-item.citation.isi??? ND
social impact