Literacy in America: A Cultural History of the Past Century

Literacy in America: A Cultural History of the Past Century is a history of literacy in the United States over the last one hundred years, shedding new light on the important role that literacy and reading have played in this country since the 1920s. It explores the social and economic inequities embedded in our institutions and offers insights related to the responsibilities of democracy. The book argues that literacy has functioned as a means of social control of children and as a vehicle of citizenship for Americans of all ages. It is a fascinating source of interest to explore in detail, with controversy often surrounding it.

Format: Hardback
Length: 192 pages
Publication date: 09 April 2024
Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield

Literacy in America: A Cultural History of the Past Century is a comprehensive exploration of literacy in the United States over the last one hundred years. Told chronologically and supported by hundreds of research studies, the work sheds new light on the important role that literacy and reading have played in this country since the 1920s. The subject is parsed through the voices of educators, intellectuals, and journalists who have weighed in on its many different dimensions. Literacy is a key site of race, gender, and class, offering insights related to the social and economic inequities that are embedded in our institutions.

The primary argument of Literacy in America is that literacy, as a major part of education, has functioned as a means of social control of children, with authority figures dictating which reading material is acceptable and which is not. Literacy has also operated as a vehicle of citizenship for Americans of all ages, and as a symbol of the responsibilities of democracy. With its ambitious scope, the work strives to be a seminal guide to literacy in America and add to our understanding of everyday life in the United States.

Most interesting, perhaps, is the twisting, unpredictable journey of literacy since the end of World War I, when I argue that the subjects modern era began. Rather than follow a straight line, both the perception and reality of reading swerved over the years, offering a trajectory that makes for a compelling narrative for anyone interested in American cultural and social history. Controversy of some kind has often surrounded literacy in the United States, this alone making it a fascinating source of interest to explore in detail.

One of the key themes of Literacy in America is the impact of literacy on the American economy. The book argues that literacy has been a critical factor in the growth of the American economy, particularly in the post-World War II era. Literacy has enabled individuals to access education, training, and employment opportunities, which have in turn contributed to the growth of the economy. However, the book also notes that literacy has been unevenly distributed, with certain groups, such as African Americans and Latinos, facing significant barriers to literacy.

Another key theme of Literacy in America is the impact of literacy on social and political participation. The book argues that literacy has been a critical factor in the development of a democratic society, enabling individuals to participate in the political process and hold their elected officials accountable. Literacy has also been a key factor in the development of social movements, such as the civil rights movement and the women's suffrage movement.

However, Literacy in America also notes that literacy has been challenged by a number of factors, including the rise of digital media and the decline of print media. The book argues that these changes have had a significant impact on literacy, particularly among younger generations. While digital media has made it easier for individuals to access information, it has also led to a decline in reading skills and a decrease in the amount of time that individuals spend reading.

In addition to its historical analysis, Literacy in America also offers a number of practical recommendations for improving literacy in the United States. The book argues that literacy should be a priority in education policy, and that schools should be provided with the resources and support that they need to improve literacy outcomes. The book also argues that literacy should be promoted in the community, through programs such as reading clubs and literacy camps.

One of the challenges that Literacy in America faces is the fact that literacy is a complex and multifaceted issue. The book argues that literacy is not just about reading and writing, but also about critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication. This means that literacy programs must be designed to meet the needs of a diverse range of individuals, and that they must be flexible and adaptable.

Another challenge that Literacy in America faces is the fact that literacy is not just a problem in the United States, but also a problem in many other parts of the world. The book argues that literacy is a fundamental human right, and that it is essential for the development of a healthy and prosperous society. The book also argues that literacy can be promoted through international cooperation and collaboration.

In conclusion, Literacy in America: A Cultural History of the Past Century is a comprehensive and insightful exploration of literacy in the United States over the last one hundred years. The book argues that literacy has been a critical factor in the growth of the American economy, social and political participation, and the development of a democratic society. However, literacy has been challenged by a number of factors, including the rise of digital media and the decline of print media. The book offers a number of practical recommendations for improving literacy in the United States, and it also argues that literacy is a fundamental human right that should be promoted through international cooperation and collaboration.

Weight: 430g
Dimension: 159 x 237 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781538189542