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C. J. Pascoe

Nice Is Not Enough: Inequality and the Limits of Kindness at American High

Nice Is Not Enough: Inequality and the Limits of Kindness at American High

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  • More about Nice Is Not Enough: Inequality and the Limits of Kindness at American High

Nice Is Not Enough argues that a shallow culture of kindness can do more lasting harm than good, highlighting the need for a true politics of care to address persistent inequalities.

Format: Hardback
Length: 264 pages
Publication date: 15 August 2023
Publisher: University of California Press


This thought-provoking narrative delves into the complexities of contemporary high school culture, contending that a superficial emphasis on kindness can inadvertently cause more harm than good. Conducted over a period of two years, Nice Is Not Enough offers insightful dispatches from a high school's regime of kindness, highlighting how it functions as a mere Band-Aid on enduring inequalities. Through captivating storytelling and engaging conversations with students, C.J. Pascoe's brilliant study sheds light on uncomfortable truths about American politics and our tendency to rely on individual solutions rather than systemic transformations.

Nice Is Not Enough transports readers to American High, a middle- and working-class high school renowned for its embrace of acceptance, connection, and kindness. A prominent sign proudly proclaims, "There is no room for hate" within its walls. At American High, inequality is narrowly perceived as a matter of individual merit, rudeness, effort, or emotion rather than a structural issue necessitating deeper intervention. Through surface-level sensitivity, the school manages to avoid political discussions related to social inequality based on factors such as race, sex, gender, or class.

Pascoe's exploration reveals that being nice to each other does not serve the students or address the broader issues we face. However, a genuine politics of care holds the potential to make a difference. By delving into the nuances of high school culture, Nice Is Not Enough encourages readers to reflect on the importance of empathy, understanding, and collective action in creating a more just and equitable society.

Weight: 538g
Dimension: 160 x 237 x 25 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780520276437

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