Reflection of Sociologists' Ideas in Janusz Korczak's Humanistic-Democratic Educational Model and Its Relevance Today
Abstract:
Janusz Korczak was a physician, an author, a pedagogue and socialist.This article focusses on Yanuzh Janusz Korczak the socialist. Examining Janusz Korczak's ideas is testified that one can find in his action ideas of sociologists such as Comte (1798-1857), Max Weber (1864-1920), Durkheim (1858-1917). In addition, his ideas anteceded Giddens's Structuration Theory (1984). Janusz Korczak’s orphanage was more than a shelter; it was a laboratory for democratic education. He conducted the orphanage's society according to ideals, values and culture, which shaped the society and the actions of the individual in it like the socialist Max Weber claimed. In his books he expressed the foundations of a humanistic society, and his actions fostered a democratic way of life. Janusz Korczak created a democratic structure, which included democratic frameworks that helped the individuals to internalize humanistic-democratic ideas, to act on these ideas and even to develop the ideas. Janusz Korczak addressed each child and his needs, and at the same time educated the children to act for themselves within the framework of the society in which they lived. Similar to the functionalist approach, in Janusz Korczak's orphanage everyone had a role and together, adult and children learned to act in a democratic society according to the principles of liberal humanist democracy. The development of society in the house was depended on the contribution of individuals to society and the functioning of society together on the basis of the partnership of its members. Organic solidarity was developed and was maintained following the individuals had a set of values and customs, as Durkheim argued. Preserving the solidarity of its members meant for creating an innovative democratic society that respected its partners. The structure and the special frameworks helped to run a Children’s Republic.
