Culture Wars in American Education: Past and Present Struggles Over the Symbolic Order

Culture Wars in American Education critically examines the norms and values held within US Education and explores why and how culture wars are intense, consequential, and recurrent. It suggests that repetitive patterns in the symbolic order, such as the representation of an individualistic basis of American society and polity, constrain the reach of progressive change. The book examines the World War I era Americanization movement, the World War II era Intercultural Education movement, the late-twentieth-century Multicultural Education movement, continuing right-wing assaults on Ethnic Studies and Critical Race Theory, and historical and contemporary conflicts over the incorporation of languages other than Standard English into approved instructional approaches.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 252 pages
Publication date: 03 June 2024
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

The Culture Wars in American Education: Past and Present Struggles Over the Symbolic Order is a groundbreaking exploration that challenges the norms and values deeply entrenched within the US education system. It delves into the intensity, consequences, and recurrence of these culture wars, shedding light on the underlying factors that fuel their escalation. By employing the concept of "symbolic order," the book intricately examines how symbolic representations are employed to establish boundaries, assign status, and legitimize authority and power within American schooling.

In particular, the book showcases the "terms of inclusion" that define, limit, and contest full membership in the national community. It suggests that repetitive patterns in the symbolic order, such as the persistent representation of an individualistic basis of American society and polity, hinder the pursuit of progressive change. The book explores a range of historical and contemporary conflicts, including the World War I era Americanization movement, the World War II era Intercultural Education movement, the late-twentieth-century Multicultural Education movement, ongoing right-wing assaults on Ethnic Studies and Critical Race Theory in the early 21st century, and historical and ongoing disputes over the incorporation of languages other than Standard English into approved instructional approaches.

This book holds immense relevance for graduate students and scholars engaged in critical studies of education, history of education, sociology of education, curriculum theory, Multicultural Education, and comparative education. It also serves as a valuable resource for educators grappling with contemporary tensions and conflicts within the education sector. By examining the past and present struggles over the symbolic order, the book provides valuable insights into the complex dynamics that shape educational systems and the ongoing challenges faced by educators in fostering inclusive and equitable learning environments.

Weight: 396g
Dimension: 152 x 229 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032660448