The Creative Approach of Problems in Social Pedagogy: Limits and Opportunities
The Creative Approach of Problems in Social Pedagogy: Limits and Opportunities

Summary/Abstract: Having its epistemological roots in German pedagogy and sociology of the XIXth century, social pedagogy is an expanding school of thought, a research and a professionalization domain. The diversity of socio-cultural contexts and the heterogeneousness of ideological options connected to social pedagogy hinder the ambitious attempt to define the field in a unitary manner. Beyond semantic hardship, social pedagogy seeks efficient educational solutions for individuals and groups at risk, regardless characteristics such as age and types of difficulties. The theme is increasingly visible and lacks coherent management within the current Romanian social context; the approach is rather fragmented (with contributions from the field of social work) or centred on certain disadvantaged groups (for example, individuals with special education needs), and needs a unitary vision, as well as an educational perspective oriented towards preventing and solving difficult situations. The study aims to argue on premises for the development of social pedagogy in Romania as an academic field able to substantiate complex and innovative approaches of social vulnerabilities, based on current discourses and socio-educational projects. Activities of socio-cultural animation, the flexible and rather atypical use of socio-educational intervention techniques inspired by arts, sports, society games and outdoor education illustrate the methodological diversity of social pedagogy and the creative manner in which individuals are encouraged to participate in the process of problem solving.

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