Key Issues in Education and Social Justice
- Emma Smith - University of Warwick
Education Studies: Key Issues
‘This highly accessible book weaves together discussion of recent research findings, policy developments and theoretical perspectives. It provides a thought-provoking and at times contentious introduction that will challenge students and teachers to look beyond the easy and glib rhetoric, helping them understand the complexities of educating for a more equal world.'
Shereen Benjamin, Senior Lecturer in Primary Education, University of Edinburgh
This book is an introduction to issues of inequality and social justice, how they relate to education systems and how education can be a force for positive societal change. Drawing upon research, policy and contemporary thinking in the field, this second edition examines educational inequalities that exist today, what lies behind them and what effects they have across society.
New to this edition:
- Wider coverage on social inequalities in relation to income and wealth
- New chapters on: childhood inequalities, international issues in education and social justice, and education inequalities in the USA
- A broader focus on how young people experience social justice that includes the experiences of young offenders.
This is essential reading for students on undergraduate education studies courses, and related degree programmes that explore the relationship between education and society.
‘This highly accessible book weaves together discussion of recent research findings, policy developments and theoretical perspectives. It provides a thought-provoking and at times contentious introduction that will challenge students and teachers to look beyond the easy and glib rhetoric, helping them understand the complexities of educating for a more equal world. Welcome additions to this second edition include an international dimension, and discussion of childhood beyond the school gates. It will continue to feature prominently on our reading lists.'
Excellent text that offers an up to date insight into educational issues. the book chapters support the module content perfectly
Professor Smith has updated this excellent book, providing an accessible and contextually relevant discussion around a topic whose understanding still eludes so many.
This is an essential text for any student or interested party concerned with the concepts of social justice and their impacts upon education. The book both consciously and unconsciously draws together many of the social, cultural and political influences that are often considered in isolation. This is the book all educationalists should be made to read.
Essential reading for BA Early Childhood Studies Year 2 module
A wide-ranging text that is clearly written and soundly researched, which faces up to some difficult questions about UK education and encourages reflective and positive engagement from its readers. I've recommended the chapter on HE to my academic practice students as useful introduction to the background and context of their work and as a prompt to discussion about the barriers many students face within the system.
Education is a key route to the distribution of resources among the entire population. However, unless it is underpinned by social justice with a specific focus on education, this purpose is often lost, resulting in the outcome that leaves many people alienated and excluded. This is an invaluable text to enable educators and students to engage with the ideas.
