Into the Void: Deconstructing John Dewey's Whiteness

• In Event: 52.084 - Roundtable Session 20
  In Roundtable Session: 52.084-5 - Biography as Educational History

Abstract

Upon the centennial of John Dewey’s most well-known educational treatise, Democracy and Education, this paper revisits the philosopher’s work using Critical Race Theory and Critical Whiteness Studies to unearth hidden and explicit messages about race. A critical hermeneutical methodology is applied directly to Dewey’s speeches, writings, and actions. This methodology also allows for a reinterpreting of the author himself as we seek to remove the “Deweyness” from the speeches and writings so as reevaluate the implications of his work for educators seeking racial justice. As we humanize and complexify the scholar, we offer considerations for those who wish to continue to use Dewey’s work in teacher education programs.

Authors

• Pete Newlove, University of Colorado - Denver

• Cheryl E. Matias, University of Colorado - Denver