Theorizing the Third Space of Family-School Interaction

• In Event: Roundtable Session 111
  In Roundtable Session: Rethinking Urban Education

Abstract

This paper argues for the use of thirdspace theory as a critical social framework for examining the interactions between urban and minority families and schools. Engaging this theoretical framework demands the naming, deconstructing, and re-imagining of the intersection of school and community, particularly the structures and practices of urban schools, and is essential to facilitating the equity needed for urban and non-dominant families to engage in schools in meaningful ways. This paper makes the argument that thirdspace theory is essential to re-imagining the spaces between urban schools and communities.

Author

• Antwan Jefferson, University of Colorado - Denver