Education and Capitalism

Educators examine the state of public schooling, confront the anti-union stance of policymakers, and offer a bold new direction in this essay anthology.

A conservative, bipartisan consensus dominates the discussion about what’s wrong with our schools and how to fix them. It offers “solutions” that scapegoat teachers, vilify unions, and impose a market mentality on education. In Education and Capitalism, teacher-activists expose the damaging limitations of this elite consensus and offer an alternative vision of learning for liberation.

Co-editors Sarah Knopp and Jeff Bale presents a powerful defense of public education. Other contributors offer historical analysis of school reform with a focus on civil rights and union-led movements. Arguing that today’s schools are designed to serve the needs of capitalism rather than students, this volume offers an action plan for positive change.