Abstract
This paper critiques international trends towards certain school practices aimed at promoting equity and social justice by closing gaps in specific learning outcomes among students. It argues that even though some of these practices (e.g. individualised student support, data-driven leadership) improve learning outcomes for certain groups considered ‘disadvantaged’, they fail to have a genuine impact on the issue. They remain ‘locked’ in the logic of social mobility, reaffirming the legitimacy of a hierarchical system underpinned by competitive individualism which unfairly distributes social opportunities under the guise of ‘merit’ and ‘justice’. The paper argues that unless students develop awareness of the subtle injustices legitimised by the current system, no specialised interventions will ever tackle inequity, but will, instead, reinforce it. Yet, attempts to explicitly challenge mainstream school practices are likely to face harsh resistance from system agents due to being so ingrained in school cultures. An alternative strategy is suggested which, without being too subversive, could raise students’ awareness - what Freire (1996) called ‘conscientização’. This would entail the application of Participatory Action Research (PAR) under the cloak of traditional (system-aligned) Action Research. Such PAR, despite its political character, would initially appear to fulfil the performative role of more technical interventions (e.g. raising test scores) but in a way that ‘conscientização’ also happens in the process. This may set the ground for social reform, encouraging the transition to a more sustainable and equitable society based on collectivity and solidarity.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 191-211 |
Journal | British Educational Research Journal |
Volume | 44 |
Issue number | 2 |
Early online date | 27 Feb 2018 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - Apr 2018 |
Keywords
- social justice
- equity
- participatory action research
- school education
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- General Social Sciences