Plantation Pedagogy: The Violence of Schooling across Black and Indigenous Space

In the 19th and 20th centuries, a system of industrial education called plantation pedagogy was developed to transform Black and Indigenous peoples and land. It was based on the claim that slavery and land dispossession were fundamentally educational and was integral to enslavement, settlement, and violence toward land and people. Bayley J. Marquez investigates how proponents developed this model domestically and spread it abroad as part of US imperialism. Plantation Pedagogy is a thought-provoking and important work that bridges Black and Native studies to understand our interconnected histories and theorize our collective futures.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 320 pages
Publication date: 06 February 2024
Publisher: University of California Press

Throughout the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, educators, administrators, and policymakers crafted a system of industrial education aimed at transforming Black and Indigenous peoples and their lands. This approach, known as plantation pedagogy, posited that slavery and land dispossession were fundamental to education. Consequently, plantation pedagogy and the formal institutions that supported it were intricately linked to enslavement, settlement, and the inherent violence perpetrated against land and people. In his groundbreaking work, Plantation Pedagogy, Bayley J. Marquez delves into the origins and expansion of industrial education both domestically and internationally as part of US imperialism. This profound and thought-provoking study seamlessly intersects Black and Native studies, offering a unique lens through which to understand our shared histories and envision our collective futures.

Marquez's exploration reveals how proponents of industrial education developed and propagated this model within the United States and abroad. He sheds light on the strategies employed to promote industrial education, including the establishment of schools, training programs, and educational institutions specifically tailored to meet the needs of the plantation economy. Marquez also examines the ways in which plantation pedagogy was exported to other regions, often through colonialism and imperialism, further perpetuating the dominance of white settler societies and the exploitation of Indigenous lands and resources.

One of the key insights of Plantation Pedagogy is its recognition of the interconnectedness of Black and Native histories. Marquez argues that plantation pedagogy was not merely a local or regional phenomenon but rather a global system that shaped the lives and experiences of people across different continents. By examining the historical and cultural relationships between Black and Native peoples, he highlights the shared struggles and resilience that have defined our collective past. This interconnectedness provides a foundation for building a more inclusive and equitable future, where the legacies of colonialism and exploitation are addressed and the rights and dignity of all individuals are upheld.

In addition to its exploration of the historical roots of plantation pedagogy, Marquez also offers a critical analysis of its impact on Black and Indigenous communities. He explores the ways in which industrial education perpetuated systemic inequalities, such as poverty, discrimination, and disenfranchisement. By examining the experiences of individuals and communities affected by plantation pedagogy, Marquez sheds light on the ongoing struggles for social justice and equality. He calls for a re-examination of our educational systems and policies to address the legacies of colonialism and promote a more inclusive and equitable future.

Plantation Pedagogy is a groundbreaking work that challenges our understanding of history and society. It offers a powerful critique of the educational system and its role in perpetuating colonialism and exploitation. By examining the historical and cultural connections between Black and Native peoples, Marquez provides a framework for understanding our shared histories and building a more inclusive and equitable future. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in Black and Native studies, education, and social justice.

Weight: 450g
Dimension: 152 x 229 x 19 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780520393714