Closing the Gap in Education?: Improving Outcomes in Southern World Societies

Description

The education of marginalised peoples and communities is a topic of great contemporary importance. Closing the Gap in Education? increases our understanding of the nature and challenges of marginalisation in southern world societies. The book also canvasses possible directions for change that might improve the social participation of young people. It is both timely and distinctive. This book emanates from a conference organised by the Monash Institute for the Study of Global Movements, in partnership with Monash South Africa, held in 2009 at Monash's Johannesburg campus. Leading scholars and public figures from Australia, South Africa and New Zealand participated. The authors provide illuminating accounts of marginalisation which point to the inadequacy of many current educational policies. Several contributors question the usefulness of notions of closing gaps and bridging divides, suggesting alternate ways to frame the debates.In explaining the key terms marginalisation, gaps, divides, peripheries the contributors consider capabilities, social practices, neo-liberalism, human capital theory, raciology, redistribution, the education debt, the politics of hope, history as a cultural resource and other concepts. They do so as academics and activists committed to social justice in education. The achievement of social transformation is particularly emphasised. This book makes a most important contribution to understanding education in marginalised communities. It is a thought-provoking work, relevant to all readers interested in education, policy, government, global, media and indigenous studies.

Ilana Snyder is a Professor in the Faculty of Education, Monash University. John Nieuwenhuysen is Foundation Director of the Monash Institute for the Study of Global Movements, Visiting Professor, Kings College, University of London, and a member of Council, RMIT University in Melbourne. He was previously Foundation Director of the Bureau of Immigration, Multicultural and Population Research, and Chief Executive of CEDA, the Committee for Economic Development of Australia. A graduate of the London School of Economics and a Fellow of the Academy of Social Sciences of Australia, he received an award (AM) in the Order of Australia in 2003 for services to independent public and private research, and the reform of the liquor laws of Victoria.

Ilana Snyder and John Nieuwenhuysen have put together a fine collection of papers on inclusive education with a southern slant. The material on indigenous education and cultural difference is especially strong. We find ourselves wanting more from these talented contributors. -- Simon Marginson