Hip-Hop as Democratic Practice Using the "Reggio Approach" to Build the Skills of Democratic Merit

• In Event: 41.084 - Roundtable Session 16
  In Roundtable Session: 41.084-21 - Hip-Hop, Belonging, and Democratic Practice

Abstract

This study examines the cultivation of skills associated with democratic merit from the application of Reggio Approach principles in a Hip-Hop program called Urban Arts Ambassadors. Through the principles of the Reggio Approach wherein students are full citizens, Hip-Hop becomes a form of democratic practice, particularly through intense levels of public engagement. The program builds off of Hip-Hop music’s considerable history of bringing awareness of urban realities to rural domains of the society to foster experiences featuring engagement and dialogue across the rural urban divide. The study found that the public engagement of their music added personal relevance to education and literacy.

Authors

• Shuaib James Meacham, University of Northern Iowa

• Sohyun Meacham, University of Northern Iowa