This paper is a result of studies on the theoretical productions of and about Freire and Vygotsky, seeking to identify in their ideas, explanation for the proposals and practices of literacy which are supposedly based on the those theories. To guide the studies, three analysis categories were defined: concepts of literacy and its process of development, concepts and characterization of the individuals involved in the literacy process, and concepts and characterization of the literacy teachers and the definition of their role. Considering these categories, it was possible to identify points of connection between them, based on the reflection and formulation of new political and pedagogical proposals for literacy and education of young people and adults.