Community-based Eco-pedagogy towards Change of Parents’ Lifestyles in South Korea

Abstract

Within the context of global marketization and digital technology revolution, consumer dependent lifestyle has increased in the Korean society. How can we contribute ourselves to regenerating a community alterative to the anthropocentric, materialistic, and consumer based society? This study was a part of community-based education project supported by the Brain Korea 21 Plus Eco-Edu System Research Team in South Korea. This project aimed at giving parents the opportunity to rethink of their anthropocentric lifestyles, to be equipped with ecological knowledge, and to live a sustainable life. Data were collected throughout six months in 2013. With a joint collaboration of L child care center, we provide 10 sessions of community-based eco-pedagogical program. Data sources were 10 individual interviews, 3 group reflective collective interviews, seminar activities, reflective writings, and observation notes. Four gradual important changes were found. First, participants become aware of their prior human-centered lifestyle. Secondly, they experienced a perspective shift. This was the starting point for recognizing the interdependency between nature and humans. The experiential nature of continuous social discussion and individual reflection invites participants to challenge their fundamental thought and attitude about nature and life. Third, the health education promotes them to be critical food consumers. Finally, parents need to know how to make connections between ecological knowledge and action. We need to grasp that possibility in community-based education, including ecological education, health education, consumer education and education for the sustainable and life-circulated society. These gradual opportunities for community members, including parents, would be the source of important means of promoting ecological sensibility, knowledge, and eventually individual and social action.