The equality of education subject of new book

 

Published by the Communications and Development Department

 

1 December 2003

 

The relationship between social class and education is explored in a new book published by the Canterbury University Press.

 

Yesterday’s Dreams looks at the underlying moral and social principle of “equality of education” which has guided education in the Western democracies for more than 50 years. It was through a sincere application of this principle that a meritocratic society was to be achieved in the post-war era but, as Yesterday’s Dreams illustrates, the pursuit of equality within education has been beset with difficulties.

 

The book’s editors are Dr John Freeman-Moir, Dean of Undergraduate Studies and a lecturer in Education at Canterbury University, and Alan Scott, Head of the Centre for Performing Arts at the Christchurch College of Education. Lending their weight to the debate are leading educationalists and social theorists including Michael Apple, Peter McLaren, Michael Peters, Stanley Aronowitz, Elizabeth Kelly and Hugh Lauder.

 

With chapters from New Zealand, Australia, the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada and South Africa, the book gives an international perspective on the relationship between social class and schooling.

 

Speaking at the launch of the book, Christchurch College of Education Principal Dr Ian Hall said Yesterday’s Dreams succeeded in bringing together a “very credible” and “challenging” selection of international readings on the subject.

"The book questions whether, after 50 years of social democracy, working class children have a better chance of a good education.”

 

• Yesterday’s Dreams, Editors John Freeman-Moir and Alan Scott. Paperback, A5, 320 pp, $59.95.

To order Yesterday's Dreams contact Canterbury University Press