El camino arduoso—the arduous pilgrimage: an autoethnography examining the impact of patriarchy on critical democracy and Catholic schooling

UNCG Author/Contributor (non-UNCG co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
Bethany McKee-Alexander (Creator)
Institution
The University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG )
Web Site: http://library.uncg.edu/
Advisor
H. Svi Shapiro

Abstract: This autoethnography critically examines my experiences with the Catholic Church, Catholic schools, organizational structures, and hierarchical relationships in order to make social and cultural connections that speak to the larger Catholic community. Through this research method I use my five year journey as an administrator at a Catholic elementary school with a predominately Latino population, in a conservative West Texas city to illuminate the obstacles involved with practicing critical democracy running counter to an hegemonic culture. I identify significant themes from my experiences that disclose the illusion of democracy found in the Church’s organizational structures. In addition, I reveal the oppressive relationship between pastor and laity when clergy mistake their leadership position for a positions of superiority over the laity. Moreover, this study explores the struggles and successes involved utilizing critically-democratic pedagogy in an educational environment micro-managed by an oppressive leader and structure. This dissertation makes suggestions for Catholic school administrators attempting to introduce and sustain a critical democracy in their schools and challenges the Church to discontinue its discriminatory practices and re-envision a Church where ALL are truly welcome.

Additional Information

Publication
Dissertation
Language: English
Date: 2015
Keywords
Administration, Autoethnography, Catholic Education, Catholic Schools, Critical Democracy
Subjects
Catholic schools $z United States $x Administration
Christian sociology $x Catholic Church $x Study and teaching
Church and social problems $x Catholic Church
Social justice $x Catholic Church $x Study and teaching
Catholic Church $x Education
Transformative learning
Critical pedagogy

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