What is Social Reconstructionism?
Is an educational philosophy that views schools as tools to solve social problems. Social reconstructionists reason that, because all leaders are the product of schools, schools should provide a curriculum that fosters their development. Reconstructionists not only aim to educate a generation of problem solvers, but also try to identify and correct many noteworthy social problems that face our nation, with diverse targets including racism, pollution, homelessness, poverty, and violence. Rather than a philosophy of education, reconstructionism may be referred to as more of a remedy for a society that seeks to build a more objective social order.
Reconstructionism
Thought Leaders in Social Reconstructionism Theory Articles
Theodore Brameld (1904-1987) founded social reconstructionism as a response to the horrors of WWII. He believed that education had the responsibility to mold human beings into a cohesive and compassionate society. George Counts (1889-1974) was another proponent of this philosophy who recognized education's role in preparing individuals to create a better society. Harold Rugg and Jesse Newlon are also credited with making important contributions to this field of research.
- George Counts: Excerpts from "Dare the School Build a New Social Order?"In this essay, Counts takes progressive educators to task for ignoring the role they could play in reconstructing society.
- Harold RuggFrom the Encyclopedia of Curriculum Studies, 2010.
- Jesse Newlon: "The Play of Social Forces That Obstruct Educational Planning."Essay from The Journal of Educational Sociology, 8(4), 239-245. "The article focuses on center of the problem of educational planning, which is found in the fact that the public school system was created by the political state for the accomplishment of fundamental social purposes."
- Friere InstituteFreire developed an approach to education that links the identification of issues to positive action for change and development.
"George S. Counts" in Social Reconstruction by ISBN: 9781593112141Publication Date: 2006-02-01This chapter examines the influence of Counts, but other chapters here would also be helpful to understand this theory of education.
"Progressive Education and the Depression" from The Arthurdale Community School by ISBN: 9780813166889Publication Date: 2016-04-08
"Social Justice: Seeking a Common Language" in The SAGE Handbook of Educational Leadership by ISBN: 9781412980029Publication Date: 2011-01-11
Engaging Paulo Freire's Pedagogy of Possibility by Call Number: eBookISBN: 9780742536968Publication Date: 2004-12-01
Streaming Videos
- Giroux: Culture, Politics & Pedagogy
Giroux speaks with passion about the inextricable links between education, civic engagement, and social justice. Strongly influenced by Paulo Freire, the Brazilian scholar of progressive education, Giroux advocates for a pedagogy that challenges inequality, oppression, and fundamentalism. - Foundations of a Civil Society
Think critically about political socialization and why it plays such a large part in education worldwide by looking closely at the various ways students are politically socialized, the results of these efforts, and who realistically--rather than ideally--benefits.