Aiming to Improve Democractic Practices in Relation to Literacy

The article analyses the democratic practices in place within community literacy groups, through the prism of cultural differences existing between participants and facilitators. Its objective is to enrich discussions and research relative to the improvement of democratic practices within such organizations. It states that the practices are usually modeled on the facilitators’ own culture rather than on that of the participants, thus reducing their power. This assessment is based on the participants’ perception of their group’s democratic practices, and on the interactions observed between facilitators and participants. It is therefore essential to take into account cultural differences residing between facilitators and participants to ensure the improvement of democratic practices in place. Several practical solutions are also put forward.