Moving from Breaking to Bridging: Lessons from Buen Vivir and John Powell
Inclusive education often requires us to challenge narratives of division and "breaking" while fostering empathy through "bridging" (Ruttenberg-Rozen, 2024). Moving from breaking to bridging transforms education into a space of inclusivity. By integrating Indigenous worldviews, such as Buen Vivir, educators can teach students the value of connection, respect, and collective well-being. Buen Vivir aligns closely with john a. powell’s concept of bridging, which fosters understanding and empathy between diverse groups to address systemic issues like othering and inequality (Othering & Belonging Institute, 2017). Together, these ideas provide a powerful framework for creating inclusive education systems.
Breaking In Education
In education, breaking occurs when divisions are created between groups, creating "us vs. them" dynamics (Ruttenberg-Rozen, 2024).. This often leads to the exclusion or marginalization of certain voices, reinforcing systemic inequities (Ruttenberg-Rozen, 2024). For instance, Indigenous knowledge systems are frequently sidelined in favor of dominant narratives, perpetuating breaking (Morales & Calvo, 2022).
Bridging Through Indigenous Worldviews
Bridging, as described by John a. powell, is about fostering understanding and connection across differences (Othering & Belonging Institute, 2017). Buen Vivir, the Misak community's philosophy of harmony and reciprocity, exemplifies bridging by emphasizing balance and mutual respect (Morales & Calvo, 2022).
How Education Can Bridge:
Amplify Marginalized Voices: Incorporate Indigenous teachings like Latá-Latá into classroom practices.
Use Participatory Approaches: Tools like Participatory Video Research (PVR) enable students to collaborate and share their cultural stories, fostering mutual understanding.
Empathy-Driven Lessons: Create opportunities for students to engage with diverse worldviews and reflect on shared human values.