Reimagining Diversity, Equity, and Justice in Early Childhood

This book calls for a divestment in white privilege and an investment in anti-racist pedagogies and practices in early childhood contexts. It explores key issues around equitable and inclusive practices for young children, such as multilingualism, multicultural practices, queer pedagogies, and play.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 242 pages
Publication date: 01 February 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Against the backdrop of numerous global pandemics, including COVID-19, racial injustice and violence, unequal resource distribution, political insurrections, and unrest, this timely and essential volume advocates for a shift away from white privilege and towards anti-racist pedagogies and practices across early childhood research, policy, teaching, and learning contexts. The book features established scholar-practitioners alongside emerging voices, with chapters exploring key issues related to equitable and inclusive practices for young children. These topics include multilingualism and multicultural practices of immigrant communities, language varieties and dialects across the Black diaspora, queer pedagogies, and play at the intersection of race, gender, disability, and language. Written with thoughtfulness and compellingness, each chapter provides an overview of the issue, the theoretical framework and critical context surrounding it, and implications for practice.

Introduction:
The world has witnessed a series of devastating pandemics, including COVID-19, which has profoundly impacted societies worldwide. In addition to the health and economic challenges posed by these pandemics, they have also exposed deep-rooted racial injustice, violence, and inequality. These issues have highlighted the need for transformative change in our society, particularly in the field of early childhood education.

White Privilege and Anti-Racist Pedagogies:
This book argues for a divestment in white privilege and an investment in anti-racist pedagogies and practices across early childhood contexts. White privilege refers to the systemic advantages that white people enjoy in society due to their race. It encompasses a range of benefits, such as access to better education, healthcare, housing, and employment opportunities. However, this privilege comes at the expense of marginalized communities, particularly those of color.

Equitable and Inclusive Practices for Young Children:
Chapters in this book explore key issues around equitable and inclusive practices for young children. These practices are essential for promoting diversity, equity, and social justice in early childhood education. Topics covered include multilingualism and multicultural practices of immigrant communities, language varieties and dialects across the Black diaspora, queer pedagogies, and play at the intersection of race, gender, disability, and language.

Established Scholar-Practitioners and Emerging Voices:
The book features established scholar-practitioners alongside emerging voices, providing a diverse range of perspectives and experiences. This collaboration ensures that the book offers a comprehensive and nuanced understanding of the issues at hand.

Theoretical Framework and Critical Context:
Each chapter in the book provides an overview of the issue, the theoretical framework and critical context surrounding it, and implications for practice. The theoretical framework is drawn from a range of disciplines, including education, sociology, psychology, and cultural studies. It provides a foundation for understanding the complex dynamics of race, gender, and power in early childhood education.

Implications for Practice:
The implications for practice are significant. By implementing anti-racist pedagogies and practices, early childhood educators can create learning environments that are inclusive, respectful, and equitable for all children. This can lead to improved outcomes for children, including better academic performance, social-emotional development, and overall well-being.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, this book is a timely and critical contribution to the field of early childhood education. It advocates for a shift away from white privilege and towards anti-racist pedagogies and practices. By promoting equitable and inclusive practices for young children, we can create a more just and equitable society for all.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032120812