Fostering Social Cohesion in a Post-Truth World: Schools Leading Challenging Conversations About Social Volatilities

• In Event: 28.089 - MTCC Roundtable Session 10
  In Roundtable Session: 28.089-4 - Social Justice Leadership Confronts Extremism

Abstract

Education and community-focused responses are crucial in tackling issues such as racism, misogyny and radicalisation. However, in current public and policy discourses, insufficient attention is paid to education-focussed responses which challenge polarising public language and discourses in a ‘post-truth’ world and foster social cohesion. This paper examines how school leaders, working with students and community leaders can guide schools in responding to and opening up challenging conversations about these issues. Rich case studies of excellent practice including document analysis, interviews and focus groups with school and community leaders and students are drawn upon. These cases have the potential to inform policy and practice regarding how schools can foster social cohesion in productive ways that respond to current social disharmonies.

Authors

• Jane Wilkinson, Monash University

• Lucas Walsh, Monash University

• Amanda Keddie, Deakin University

• Luke Howie, Monash University

• Nicola Sum, Monash University

• Fiona Longmuir, Monash University