Tools of Inaction: How teachers limit their capacity for social justice activism

• In Event: Strategies to Support Social Justice Teaching

Abstract

Recently, increased emphasis has been placed on social justice in the classroom particularly in terms of curriculum. However, without activism outside the classroom, teachers will not affect change on issues they teach (i.e. racism or inequality). This qualitative study examined new teachers who created critical curricula, but rarely worked outside the classroom to create change. When questioned, they used four “Tools of Inaction” to justify their inactivity. Substitution tools made them feel satisfied with their accomplishments; Postponement tools allowed them to believe they would act in the future; displacement tools transferred responsibility to others; and dismissal tools swept away “undesirable” activities. Understanding these tools better positions teacher educators to support teachers to be effective agents of change.

Author

• Bree Picower, Montclair State University