Bettina Love book discussion

I want to talk about the relationship between this text and (1) specific situations and (2) our work as researchers.

Specific situations

I’d like to hear about how this work shows up in our various fields of scholarship.

Our work as researchers

In prior discussions I heard someone say, “This is important, but many things are important and we each specialize in one thing. It’s important that we not claim expertise beyond what we have. Am I showing up here as a scholar? If so, isn’t it unreasonable to ask me to change my focus?”

Positionality. “These types of workshops White-splain Black folx’ challenges to White folx.” Look at us.

Strategies for change

I’m not very hopeful about framing actors in the system whose cooperation will be needed (will it?) for progress as malicious, or as parasites. These include schools designed to fail, parasitic textbook companies, and bad teachers.

Next, I’d like to talk about intersectionality. As a method of social critique, it centers power not just on the part of oppressors but also on the part of activists. What is the strategy for coalition-building between BLM and communities such as Lockport, where social class is likely more salient for many?

How shall we understand schooling in society? As a private good? Then yes, it’s likely that those with more (and more capacity to keep it) will resist giving it up. Maybe Labaree’s analysis of the history of school reform could be helpful here?

We should also talk about segregation.