Racism and Education in the U.K. and the U.S. - (Marxism and Education) by Mike Cole (Paperback)

About the Book

"Racism blights both the UK and the US, but there is much misunderstanding as to what racism actually encompasses. Through a thorough account of its history and current forms on both sides of the Atlantic and its relationship to schooling, Marxist and neo-Marxist analysis is used to both understand it and to move towards its eradication. Developments towards twenty-first century socialism in Venezuela are used as a model for a future world, and suggestions are made for classroom practice against racism and for socialism. Both socialism as a concept and events in Venezuela have been subject to massive media distortion. This book sets out to put the record straight"--

Book Synopsis

Extends Marxist analysis to include key concepts from the work of neo-Marxists Antonio Gramsci and Louis Althusser. It looks in detail at racism in the U.K. and the U.S. and goes on to examine the differences between schooling and education, and their relationship to racism in those two countries and in the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela.

Review Quotes

"This is one of the most important contributions to the debates about international racism from one of the most outstanding Marxist scholars. This book is a gem." -Alpesh Maisuria, Senior Lecturer, Anglia Ruskin University

"Mike Cole offers a devastating dissection of the appalling history and current realities of racism in the U.K. and the U.S., and in particular its manifestations in the educational system. He also presents an excellent synopsis of Venezuela's efforts to develop a new, socially just and inclusive alternative in education which is an integral part of that country's pioneering struggle to build 'socialism for the twenty-first century.' Cole's latest book will be of great value in making students and educationalists consider progressive alternatives to the impoverished curricula and structures within which they operate at present." -Diana Raby, Senior Research Fellow, Latin American Studies, University of Liverpool

"This is an important book which makes a contribution to the wider struggle for a socialist alternative to the current global capitalist reality, challenging neoliberal and capitalist narratives and the myth of meritocracy. Cole's work not only challenges, but suggests a realistic alternative to current education policy which feeds growing inequalities through its commitment to marketisation. The study is an explicitly anti-capitalist, anti-racist work, which raises provocative challenges to received wisdom and myths, both popular and academic, around socialism, Marxism, capitalism and racism."

- Power and Education

About the Author

Mike Cole is Emeritus Research Professor in Education and Equality at Bishop Grosseteste University, UK.