Researching Protest Literacies: Literacy as Protest in the Favelas of Rio de Janeiro

Researching Protest Literacies explores how literacy practices mobilize, perform, and disseminate protest in favelas from 2006-2016, conceptualizing five forms of literacy used to enact social change. It is of interest to scholars in literacy studies, arts education, social movement studies, and international literacies.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 252 pages
Publication date: 01 August 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Researching Protest Literacies delves into the intricate dynamics of literacy development as a powerful tool for mobilizing, performing, and disseminating protests in the favelas of Rio de Janeiro. Through a comprehensive blend of ethnographic fieldwork and extensive archival research, the book explores how traditional and technology-driven literacy practices shaped a new cycle of social protest from 2006 to 2016. The chapters meticulously trace nuanced interactions, document shifting power dynamics, and conceptualize five distinct forms of literacy employed to bring about social change: campaigning literacies, memorial literacies, media-activist literacies, arts-activist literacies, and demonstration literacies. Building upon these, the study proposes protest literacies as a novel approach to researching the role of contemporary literacy in protest.

This insightful monograph holds immense appeal to doctoral students, researchers, and scholars engaged in the fields of literacy studies, arts education, social movement studies, as well as those interested in exploring research methodologies in education and international literacies. Its comprehensive analysis and innovative framework offer valuable insights into the complex interplay between literacy, power, and social activism, shedding light on the ways in which individuals and communities utilize literacy to challenge dominant narratives and advocate for change.

The book's ethnographic fieldwork provides a rich and immersive perspective, allowing the author to closely observe the lived experiences of local residents, social movements, and media producers in the favelas. Through detailed interviews, participant observation, and analysis of relevant documents and media, the author unravels the intricate ways in which literacy practices shape protest movements and contribute to social transformation.

One of the key strengths of Researching Protest Literacies lies in its ability to bridge the gap between traditional literacy studies and the emerging field of media-activism. The author recognizes the role of new media technologies in facilitating the spread of information, mobilizing communities, and shaping public discourse. By examining the ways in which social movements harness the power of media to amplify their messages and engage broader audiences, the book offers valuable insights into the evolving landscape of contemporary protest.

The book's conceptualization of five forms of literacy used to enact social change is particularly insightful. Campaigning literacies involve the use of written and oral communication to raise awareness and mobilize support for a particular cause. Memorial literacies, on the other hand, focus on preserving and commemorating the memories of those who have been affected by social injustices. Media-activist literacies involve the production and dissemination of media content to raise awareness and challenge dominant narratives. Arts-activist literacies involve the use of artistic expression to convey messages and provoke dialogue. Demonstration literacies involve the use of physical presence and collective action to bring attention to social issues.

Each of these forms of literacy plays a unique role in the mobilization and expression of protest. By recognizing and analyzing these diverse literacies, the book provides a comprehensive framework for understanding the complex dynamics of social protest and the role of literacy in shaping it.

In conclusion, Researching Protest Literacies is a groundbreaking work that contributes significantly to our understanding of the role of literacy in social protest. Through its meticulous analysis, innovative framework, and rich ethnographic fieldwork, the book offers valuable insights into the complex dynamics of literacy development, power dynamics, and social activism. It is a must-read for scholars, researchers, and practitioners interested in the fields of literacy studies, arts education, social movement studies, and education more broadly.

Weight: 490g
Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367651084