Analyzes and compares approaches to literacy and the involvement of the community in literacy training in three Latin American countries: (1) Brazil, a capitalist economic framework; (2) Peru, with reform as an alternative to counter-insurgency measures; and (3) Nicaragua, a revolutionary society in transition. (JOW)

Spanish American political and economic development has historically diverged from the other Western geographic areas. The economic systems of these nations have been characterized as dependent, and their political systems have reflected instability, authoritarian rule, and fraudulent democracy. In Peru, industrial progress began in the late 19th…

Presents a case study of a village in highland South America to show how different segments of a society view literacy education. Topics discussed include collapse of traditional society as a result of education, values, changing economic and social conditions, the school role in creating an active citizenry, and school drop-out rates. (Author/DB)