The dimensions of critical literacy, according to Lewison et al. (2002), encompass four key areas.
Critical literacy empowers individuals to actively analyze and challenge power structures and social inequalities within texts and contexts. These dimensions offer a framework for understanding and applying critical literacy in various educational and social settings.
Here's a breakdown of the four dimensions, based on the provided reference:
- Disrupting the commonplace: This dimension encourages questioning assumptions and challenging the taken-for-granted aspects of texts and social practices. It involves looking beyond the surface and identifying underlying ideologies.
- Interrogating multiple viewpoints: Critical literacy requires considering diverse perspectives and recognizing that knowledge is not neutral but is shaped by social, cultural, and historical contexts. It challenges dominant narratives and seeks out marginalized voices.
- Focusing on sociopolitical issues: This dimension emphasizes the importance of understanding how power, inequality, and social justice are embedded in texts and social structures. It involves examining the impact of social policies and practices on different groups.
- Taking action: Critical literacy is not merely about analysis; it also involves taking action to address social injustices. This can involve advocating for change, challenging discriminatory practices, and working towards a more equitable society.
| Dimension | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Disrupting the Commonplace | Challenging assumptions and taken-for-granted ideas. | Questioning why certain characters in a story are always portrayed in a particular way (e.g., gender stereotypes). |
| Interrogating Multiple Viewpoints | Considering diverse perspectives and recognizing that knowledge is subjective. | Examining a historical event from the perspective of different social groups involved. |
| Focusing on Sociopolitical Issues | Understanding how power, inequality, and social justice are embedded in texts and social structures. | Analyzing how a news article portrays different socioeconomic classes and the implications of that portrayal. |
| Taking Action | Engaging in activities that promote social justice and challenge inequality. | Writing a letter to a politician advocating for a policy change that addresses a social injustice highlighted in a text. |
