Self-Determination Through Learning

Sor Juana's relentless self-education—pursuing subjects across disciplines, writing despite institutional pressure—was an act of self-determination within severe constraints. For those experiencing poverty, learning becomes a critical pathway to expanding choices and agency. Self-determination through learning means using education not only for economic mobility but for authoring one's own life, understanding systems, and claiming voice. This differs from instrumental education narrowly focused on workforce development; it encompasses intellectual development for human flourishing. Sor Juana's tradition emphasizes learning as self-realization, not mere economic strategy. Practically, this involves supporting learner-directed education, intellectual exploration beyond job training, critical thinking development that enables systemic analysis, and recognition that intellectual growth directly supports autonomy. For those in poverty, learning can shift from passive reception of predetermined paths to active authorship of identity and possibility. The concept validates that intellectual development serves human dignity and self-determination, not only economic outcome. It positions learning as resistance and as pathway to expanded agency within poverty's constraints.