Capoeira as Embodied Intercultural Pedagogy: A Quasi-Experimental Study in Youth Shelters

Abstract

Intercultural education is a key element in the comprehensive development of adolescents, particularly in vulnerable contexts. However, educational programs often prioritize academic learning, relegating socioemotional and cultural development. In this context, capoeira, an Afro-Brazilian art that combines music, dance, wrestling, and ritual, is presented as an innovative embodied pedagogy strategy capable of strengthening social and intercultural competencies. The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of a capoeira program on adolescents residing in a shelter in Lima, Peru. A quasi-experimental mixed-gender design was used with a non-equivalent control group (n=31) and a qualitative component based on interviews and participant observation. The quantitative results showed significant improvements in social attitudes and social thinking in the experimental group (p < 0.001). At the qualitative level, adolescents reported greater confidence, cooperation, and cultural integration, as one participant expressed: "In the roda, I learned to trust and listen." Data triangulation confirmed the effectiveness of capoeira as a socio-educational resource. In conclusion, capoeira not only promotes well-being and inclusion, but also constitutes an innovative contribution to applied intercultural education by integrating body, music, and community in a transformative learning process.