The struggle for democratic education in the global South: lessons from Brazilian teachers

This chapter explores democratic education in Brazil through the lens of Paulo Freire’s critical pedagogy, highlighting its role in fostering critical consciousness and social transformation. It examines the challenges posed by conservative political movements, particularly the Escola Sem Partido (School Without Political Party) movement, which restricts academic freedom and promotes ideological control. Despite Brazil’s 1988 Constitution guaranteeing education as a fundamental right, conflicts surrounding educational goals persist, intensified by attacks on teachers and pedagogical autonomy. This chapter underscores teachers’ central role as defenders of democratic education amid persecution and censorship. It also emphasises Brazil’s cultural diversity as fertile ground for inclusive education. Drawing on Freire’s dialogical methods, educators and civil society resist authoritarian pressures through solidarity, advocacy and innovative practices. The chapter concludes that strengthening democratic education in Brazil requires union engagement, community involvement, international alliances and continuous critical scholarship to counter political repression and defend education as a democratic right.