Critical pedagogy: the spaces that make the difference

The recent literature of critical pedagogy has been rich in spatial references and metaphors. Indeed, McLaren (1999) recently called for the development of a ‘critical pedagogy of space’. This article considers the implications of space for critical pedagogy. Drawing on recent debates about space in the geographical and sociological literature, it suggests that space must be seen as social construction. As such, space is involved in the production and reproduction of social relationships, and is linked to political struggles of inclusion and exclusion. The article suggests that space should not be seen simply as the product of capitalist social relationships, but is tied up with other axes of power, such as gender, ethnicity and sexuality. The challenge is to develop a critical pedagogy of space that reflects the multiple and contested nature of space.