Social Justice Approach to Diverse Families

• In Event: Early Childhood Teacher Education for a Diverse Democratic Society: Promising Practices and Research Gaps

Abstract

This paper argues for a social justice approach to all families that moves away from traditional comparative or normative assumptions. Families, all of which are conceptualized as being diverse, are defined as the adult or adults with whom the child lives or spends the most time. An analysis of the literature through a critical postmodern perspective shapes the focus on equal human rights of all families including the right to resources adequate for a decent life. Recommendations for educating future teachers for family partnerships are based on professional ethics and a strengths-based approach to family resilience respectful of funds of knowledge and funds of identity.

Author

• Beatrice S. Fennimore, Indiana University of Pennsylvania