Transformation Theory and Social Action: A Response to Collard and Law

Abstract

Collard and Law challenged the validity of my writings about perspective transformation on the grounds that I have underemphasized the importance of collective social action as a goal. Transformation learning theory emphasizes the role of meaning schemes and perspectives habits of expectation which serve as culturally assimilated categories of classification for perception and cognition. These may involve assumptions which are distorted in content, process or premise. They may be transformed by validity testing through critically reflective dialogue. Because distortions and assumptions may be epistemic and psychic as well as socio-cultural, the nature of transformation and appropriate action varies. There are significant mediating factors which impede taking collective social action because of a transformed viewpoint. Learning transformations and social action both can take several forms.