The Color of Civics: Civic Education for a Multiracial Democracy

The traditional approaches to civic education are not living up to their promise for many students, particularly students of color from disadvantaged communities. Matthew D. Nelsen's book, The Color of Civics, presents a new approach to civic education that aims to foster political empowerment by centering historically-grounded conversations about current events and critical categories of knowledge that highlight the agency and grassroots political action of marginalized groups. This approach increases rates of intended political participation among young people of color and heightens political empathy among white youth.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 264 pages
Publication date: 21 September 2023
Publisher: Oxford University Press Inc

For generations of Americans, dating back to the nation's founding, schools have been seen as vital in developing the knowledge and civic values necessary for sustaining democracy. However, as Matthew D. Nelsen argues in his book "The Color of Civics," traditional approaches to civic education are falling short of their promise for many students, particularly students of color from disadvantaged communities.

How can we prepare an increasingly diverse generation of Americans for full participation in public life?

Drawing on insights from students and teachers in Chicago, "The Color of Civics" reimagines the democratic purpose of civic education. Nelsen's findings challenge some of the most widely cited civic education research, suggesting that the content of traditional civic education courses privileges the political experiences of white political actors and contributes to divergent political behaviors and participatory outcomes across racial and ethnic groups.

He presents a new approach to civic education that aims to foster political empowerment by centering historically-grounded conversations about current events and critical categories of knowledge that highlight the agency and grassroots political action of marginalized groups. This approach increases rates of intended political participation among young people of color and heightens political empathy among white youth.

Nelsen also highlights the agency of teachers in processes of socialization, exploring how their attitudes and lived experiences drive the implementation of more empowering civic learning environments. By taking the histories and lived experiences of marginalized communities seriously, "The Color of Civics" asserts that civics courses can become spaces where young people begin to recognize their own.

In conclusion, "The Color of Civics" offers a powerful critique of traditional civic education and presents a new vision for fostering political empowerment and social justice among young people. By centering historically-grounded conversations and critical categories of knowledge, this approach can help to bridge the gaps between different racial and ethnic groups and promote greater participation in public life. It is a must-read for educators, policymakers, and anyone who cares about building a more inclusive and democratic society.

Weight: 452g
Dimension: 235 x 164 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780197685655