Expanding Transformation Theory

Expanding Transformation Theory offers a deeper understanding of the philosophy, principles and major components of Transformation Theory, which was developed by Jack Mezirow. It provides a thorough comprehension of the affinities of the theory with other emancipatory theoretical views and provides the readers with an expanded insight of the core theoretical framework that will support their research and educational practice.

The book juxtaposes Mezirow’s perspective with those of ten major emancipatory educationalists – Dewey, Freire, Gould, Marsick, Socrates, Kegan, Greene, Argyris, Illeris, and Jarvis, respectively, who all share the idea of learning with the aim of changing problematic perceptions and behaviours. Such issues as convergences and divergences among the theoretical perspectives, as well as the impact of the theoretical ideas that Mezirow incorporated in his work, are addressed. The work of Mezirow is further reviewed in order to pinpoint the dimensions which appear to have been confirmed and endure over time, and, in turn, those that seem to need expansion or even revision.

This book will be of great interest to researchers, academics, students, and adult educators who are interested in transformative learning theory and emancipatory education

Alexis Kokkos is Emeritus Professor of Adult Education at the Hellenic Open University, Chairman of the Hellenic Adult Education Association, co-convener of the ESREA’s Network on Transformative Processes and member of the Stewards Committee of the International Transformative Learning Association.