International Critical Perspectives

The Problem. Critical perspectives on human resource development (HRD) have emerged, across Europe and America, hailed as the future of the field. However, we note the paucity of critical perspectives globally, the problematic dominance of critical HRD activities in Western sites of theory and practice, and the apparent dearth in non-Western sites. The Solution. We analyze locations of critical HRD to advance understanding of critical perspectives in the international context, raising awareness of where critical HRD operates globally, celebrating its successes, and critically examining its struggles. We hope this encourages colleagues in underrepresented locations to experiment to effect improvements in the lives of otherwise oppressed, marginalized, voiceless workers/learners. The Stakeholders. Critical HRD encompasses attempts to critique and challenge the hegemony of dominant practices in research, education, and practice, around three stakeholders: researchers, educators, and practitioners. Moreover, the purpose of critical HRD is to emancipate workers/learners, the last but not least important stakeholders.