Better for Who? The Imposition of Renaissance Charter Schools in Camden

• In Event: Roundtable Session 49
  In Roundtable Session: Neoliberal Education and the Conflict With Social Justice

Abstract

This qualitative study explores the interpretations and perceptions of the Camden community that is predominately minority, historically impoverished, and rapidly employing neoliberal strategies in public education (charter schools, school closure) and urban development (gentrification, “eds and meds”, displacement). Using the framework of Standpoint Theory (Barnett, 2009; Creedon, 2007, Collins, 1990) as a lens with which to alternatively view change and “progress” in Camden, this study seeks to include the views of Camden residents with little socio-political capital yet are profoundly impacted by Camden’s embrace of neoliberalism within both education and urban development. The author, along with the voices of the community, will convey their respective viewpoints on living in a neoliberalizing city with school system that is no longer theirs.

Author

• Keith Benson, Camden City School District