Social Pedagogy is an academic discipline concerned with theory and practice of holistic education and care. Social pedagogy is a 'function of society' – it reflects how a given society at a given time thinks about education and upbringing, about the relationship between the individual and society, and about social welfare for its marginalised members. Consequently, social pedagogues work within a range of different settings, from early years through adulthood to working with disadvantaged adult groups as well as older people. To achieve a holistic perspective within each of these settings, social pedagogy draws together theories and concepts from related disciplines such as sociology, psychology, education, philosophy, medical sciences, or social work.
Social pedagogy is based on humanistic values stressing human dignity, mutual respect, trust, unconditional appreciation, and equality, to mention but a few. It is underpinned by a fundamental concept of children, young people and adults as equal human beings with rich and extraordinary potential and considers them competent, resourceful and active agents.
Overall, social pedagogy aims to achieve: * Holistic education – education of head (cognitive knowledge), heart (emotional and spiritual learning), and hands (practical and physical skills); * Holistic well-being – strengthening health-sustaining factors and providing support for people to enjoy a long-lasting feeling of happiness; * To enable children, young people as well as adults to empower themselves and be self-responsible persons who take responsibility for their society; * To promote human welfare and prevent or ease social problems.
Herman Nohl.
In Germany the first political opportunity for putting social pedagogy into practise occurred with the social-democratic reforms of the Weimar Republic. Their social service aspects were strongly influenced by the work of the philosopher and