Schooling and Aspirations in the Urban Margins: Ethnography of Education in the Indian Context

This book explores how a State school in an urban slum in India shapes the aspirations and worldviews of children in the urban margins, engaging with their experience of marginality and exclusion and the power asymmetries between teachers and the community. It will be of interest to researchers, students, and teachers in education studies, sociology, and politics of education, as well as education policymakers and professionals in the development sector.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 146 pages
Publication date: 25 September 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This captivating book delves into a thorough ethnographic exploration conducted within an urban slum in India, shedding light on the profound impact of a State school as a social and pedagogical institution on the aspirations and worldviews of children residing in the urban margins. Through its engaging narrative, the volume delves deep into the experiences of marginality and exclusion experienced by these children as they navigate the complex intersections of caste, class, gender, and citizenship. It further explores how their daily school encounters are shaped by the power dynamics between teachers and the community, unraveling the intricate political dynamics between the State and its margins.

By employing ethnographic fieldwork as its foundation, the book offers valuable insights to researchers, students, and educators engaged in the fields of education studies, sociology, politics of education, teacher education, childhood and youth studies, and urban studies. It serves as a valuable resource for education policymakers and professionals working in the development sector, providing valuable perspectives and strategies for addressing the challenges faced by children in urban environments.

The book's rich and detailed analysis highlights the significance of schools in shaping the lives of children in marginalized communities, emphasizing the need for inclusive and equitable education systems that empower and support all students, regardless of their background or circumstances. Through its compelling storytelling, the book encourages readers to reflect on the role of education in fostering social change and promoting equity, and serves as a call to action for educators, policymakers, and community members to work together to create a brighter future for all children.

Weight: 453g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032004785