Unshackling Youth From Control and Reproduction of Oppression: Deconstructing Discriminatory Socialization Practices in Education

• In Event: 44.050 - Inside Schools, Outside Schools: Transforming Student Experiences

Abstract

The social construction and reproduction of oppression in the U.S. schooling system is historically linked to power and policy stratifications. Racial tensions and violence are direct effects of ill socialization of American youth. The state of hostility in today’s society can be understood by exploring the precedence of power and policy in schooling and how these variables are tools for social reproduction. Critical consciousness is the key to promoting equity and countering oppression. Thus, this study presents a historiography of roles school systems play in socializing youth through policies and marginalizing practices which have led to the reproduction of social inequity; further, it offers solutions to deconstruct discriminatory practices by examining current research illustrating appropriate curriculum and instructional practices.

Authors

• Melissa Eckert Brock, University of Texas at El Paso

• Cesar A. Rossatto, The University of Texas - El Paso