We live in a world where thousands make massive profits out of the labours of others, while those others exist as wage slaves, millions of whom die of starvation and poverty-related illness every year. The fundamental aim of Marxism is the overthrow of the anarchic, exploitative and eco-destructive system of world capitalism and its replacement by world socialism and equality. To build a socialist world is a task of gargantuan proportions, but one that Marxists believe is eminently achievable. This book addresses some of these challenges from within educational theory. The key theoretical issues addressed are: utopian socialism poststructuralism and postmodernism transmodernism globalisation, neo-liberalism and environmental destruction the new imperialism critical race theory. Marxism and Educational Theory compellingly and informatively propels the debate forward in the pursuit of that socialist future. In that quest, suggestions are made to connect theoretical issues with the more practical concerns of the school and the classroom. With a specially written Foreword by Peter McLaren, this timely book will be of interest to academics and students interested in educational theory, the sociology of education, sociology, politics, philosophy and critical theory.
Author(s): Mike Cole
Edition: 1
Year: 2007
Language: English
Pages: 208
Book Cover......Page 1
Title......Page 4
Copyright......Page 5
Dedication......Page 6
Contents......Page 8
Foreword......Page 10
Acknowledgements......Page 22
1 Introduction: Personal and political reflections on a life in education......Page 24
Part I Origins......Page 34
2 Socialism and Marxist theory......Page 36
3 Marxist theory and education......Page 51
4 Nietzsche, poststructuralism and postmodernism......Page 60
Part II Issues......Page 74
5 Poststructuralism and postmodernism in educational theory: Social change and social justice......Page 76
6 Transmodernism in educational theory: A step closer to liberation?......Page 91
7 Globalisation, neo-liberalism and environmental destruction......Page 108
8 The New Imperialism: Postmodern, transmodern and Marxist perspectives......Page 121
9 Critical Race Theory and racialisation: A case study of contemporary racist Britain......Page 135
10 Common objections to Marxism and a Marxist response......Page 152
Afterword......Page 162
Appendix: Robert Miles and the concept of racism......Page 163
Notes......Page 165
References......Page 178
Index......Page 199