Curriculum as a Site of Political and Cultural Conflict
Title
Curriculum as a Site of Political and Cultural Conflict
Author
Rojas, Fabio
Research Area
Social Institutions
Topic
Educational Institutions
Abstract
Schools are both political and academic institutions. This essay explains the different ways that schools generate conflict because people dispute the content of the school curriculum. This essay begins by noting that schools require the approval of political elites and the public. Without such support, schools can't operate. Also, schools lend legitimacy to particular ideas, which means that people will fight over the content of classroom instruction. The essay then discusses how social movements target schools and the factors contribute to successful curricular challenges in schools.