Self-Determination Through Education

Sor Juana's refusal to accept imposed limitations on her intellectual pursuits reflects a deeper truth: education should empower children to determine their own paths, not enforce conformity. Self-determination through education means children participate in decisions about their learning, explore their identities freely, and develop the confidence to resist unjust social scripts. This applies to children's rights by recognizing that authentic education is dialogical—children are active participants, not passive recipients. Sor Juana's tradition teaches that when children control their learning narrative, they develop resilience and the capacity to advocate for themselves and others. This concept protects children from systems that use education as a tool of control, instead positioning it as a vehicle for liberation and authentic self-knowledge.