Contributions of cultural studies for the transformation of the Mexican educational system: reflections on the teaching role

Abstract

The essay discusses the potentially positive impact of Cultural Studies, as a theoretical and methodological approach, on the transformation of educational system. The essays limits to the discussion of teachers’ role as a key agent given his/her condition as public intellectual able to influence chance through an active pedagogical practice. The objective is to broaden the discussion of educational change by relying on critical referential frameworks in order to foster the teachers´ participation on a political project in order to construct just and democratic societies. The relevance of the discussion relies on the need to vindicate the Mexican educational system in the context of economic, social and political changes. The rest of the essay includes three sections. First, the introduction provides a broad discussion on the theoretical advances and gaps for the change of the Mexican educational system. Secondly, four characteristics of Cultural Studies, relevant for educational change, are discussed as well the role of teachers in the change. As a conclusion, general reflections and recommendations are provided.