Handbook of Critical Approaches to Politics and Policy of Education

The Handbook of Critical Approaches to Politics and Policy of Education provides a critical overview of educational policy and politics, focusing on contested visions for schools and society, the material and symbolic interests of different classes and cultural groups, and the recent directions of educational politics and policy.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 266 pages
Publication date: 28 April 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

The Handbook of Critical Approaches to Politics and Policy of Education offers a comprehensive exploration of educational policy and politics from critical perspectives, engaging with both foundational and cutting-edge topics. In critical lenses, educational policy debates and reform initiatives transcend narrow concerns of efficacy, such as improving test scores, promoting educational inclusion, achieving fairer school spending, or fostering cultural responsiveness. Rather, these discussions represent contested visions for schools and society, shaped by social groups vying for dominance.

Critical approaches to educational policy and politics perceive schooling and education as contested terrains, where competing visions for education are intertwined with the material and symbolic interests, as well as cultural ideologies, of diverse classes and cultural groups.

The Handbook is structured into five sections. The first three sections provide a foundational overview of educational policy and politics, covering culture and politics of education, political economy of education, and subjectivity and education. These chapters delve into longstanding and contemporary policy and political debates, as well as fundamental theoretical debates. The last two sections are organized around two themes that address some of the most significant recent directions in educational politics and policy: disaster politics and technology.

In the first section, "Culture and Politics of Education," the Handbook explores the complex interplay between culture, power, and education. It examines how cultural norms, values, and beliefs shape educational policies and practices, as well as how education can be used to perpetuate or challenge dominant ideologies. The chapter also discusses the role of education in promoting social justice, equity, and diversity, and the challenges faced by marginalized communities in accessing quality education.

The second section, "Political Economy of Education," delves into the economic and financial aspects of education. It examines how educational institutions are shaped by market forces, government policies, and private interests, and how these factors influence access, quality, and equity in education. The chapter also explores the role of education in promoting economic growth and social mobility, as well as the challenges faced by students from low-income backgrounds in achieving educational success.

The third section, "Subjectivity and Education," explores the role of subjectivity in shaping educational policies and practices. It examines how individual experiences, perspectives, and identities are constructed and reproduced within educational systems, and how these constructions can perpetuate social inequalities and marginalization. The chapter also discusses the role of education in promoting self-awareness, critical thinking, and democratic participation, and the challenges faced by students in developing these skills.

In the last two sections, "Disaster Politics and Technology," the Handbook examines the ways in which disasters, such as natural disasters, conflicts, and pandemics, shape educational policies and practices. It explores how these disasters create new opportunities and challenges for education, as well as how education can be used to respond to and recover from these crises. The chapter also discusses the role of technology in shaping education, including the use of digital technologies, online learning, and artificial intelligence, and the challenges and opportunities these technologies present for students, educators, and policymakers.

In conclusion, The Handbook of Critical Approaches to Politics and Policy of Education provides a comprehensive and insightful exploration of educational policy and politics from critical perspectives. By engaging with both foundational and cutting-edge topics, the Handbook offers a valuable resource for scholars, policymakers, and educators interested in understanding the complex and multifaceted nature of education policy and politics.

Weight: 508g
Dimension: 254 x 178 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367702700