Woke Culture and Education: A Critical Sociological Perspective"

The concept of “woke” culture, which emerged in the United States as a movement of social awareness, has expanded internationally and today significantly influences the educational field. The purpose of the present study is to explore the perceptions of teachers and university students in Thessaloniki regarding the presence and consequences of woke culture in education. The research was based on a qualitative methodology and identified four main themes: (a) fear of ideological indoctrination, (b) restriction of freedom of expression, (c) experiences of division, and (d) perception of education as a space of activism. The findings indicate that although woke culture originates from values of equality and social justice, its implementation sometimes leads to negative effects on the learning process. The study discusses the need to strike a balance between social sensitivity and academic freedom.