Perspective Transformation

TLDR

Adult development involves becoming aware of one’s own history, a realization that can drive behavior change. The study seeks to identify the goals and functions of adult education within an emerging transformation theory. Perspective transformation is a structural shift that moves individuals from uncritical, organic relationships toward inclusive, contractual relationships, reshaping how they value and act.

Abstract

A cardinal dimension of adult development and the learning most uniquely adult pertains to becoming aware that one is caught in one's own history and is reliving it. This leads to a process of perspective transforma tion involving a structural change in the way we see ourselves and our rela tionships. If the culture permits, we move toward perspectives which are more inclusive, discriminating and integrative of experience. We move away from uncritical, organic relationships toward contractual relation ships with others, institutions and society. Perspective transformation refor mulates the criteria for valuing and for taking action. Behavior change is often a function of such transformation. In this emerging transformation theory, adult education finds its own inherent goals and functions.