What "Other" Is Made Of: Narratives About Immigrants in American History Textbooks

• In Event: Challenging Curricular Expectations in Social Studies Education

Abstract

This research investigates the chapters about immigrants and immigration in high school American history textbooks. Using critical ethnographic methods, we explore in depth the normative claims hidden in these texts. Findings suggest that the textbooks construct different meanings regarding immigrants: those with higher socioeconomic status and a closer relationship to mainstream American culture gain the most positive portrayal in terms of contribution and social integration. In addition, dialogue within and among immigrant groups is neglected. Instead, communication is mainly depicted as taking place between immigrants and native-born Americans. The analysis indicates that, despite long-lasting attempts at inclusiveness, history textbooks still maintain a strong viewpoint of “Us” while implicitly portraying immigrants as the “Other.”

Author

• Wenjuan Sang, Indiana University - Bloomington