Education Behind Bars: Transformative Pedagogy in Prisons | Lisa Guenther | Queen’s National Scholar in Political Philosophy | Season 3 Ep. 8 | #63

In today’s conversation, Dr. Lisa Guenther and I explore the intersection of race, education, and the US prison system, delving into its embedded exploitation of labor, and the transformative potential of restorative justice and critical pedagogy. Dr. Guenther shares her firsthand experiences within the prison education system, from her involvement in inside-out programs to her critiques of carceral power structures and financial incentives driving mass incarceration. We unpack the complexities of colonialism, institutional hierarchy, and property ownership as they intersect with the philosophy of education and the reimagining of justice systems. From challenging the banking model of education to advocating for a rehabilitative approach to prisons, we explore the profound implications of urban disconnection on community cohesion and the imperative of building interconnectedness in diverse communities. I hope you enjoy this conversation as much as I did!