Towards a knowledge democracy movement

Abstract

Based on a comparative international research project examining community-university research partnerships, this paper argues for the emergence of a "knowledge democracy movement." The movement is framed as a crucial response to global social inequities, such as homelessness, illiteracy, and climate change disproportionately impacting marginalized populations. It bridges the traditional gap between Adult Education theory and practice with contemporary literature in Community-Based Research (CBR). It links the learning processes inherent in social movements and civic engagement to the production of knowledge that serves citizenship and social change. The central thesis is that a commitment to knowledge democracy—where knowledge is co-created, shared, and mobilized for public good—is essential for universities to transcend their role as mere knowledge repositories and become effective agents of social transformation. This movement represents a practical pathway for linking life experience, academic inquiry, and hope for a more equitable future.