Navigating Diversity: Multicultural Education in Divisive Times

Closes:
Submission deadline date: 3 January 2025

Introduction

In times marked by heightened social and political divisions, the imperative for multicultural education is more pronounced than ever. This special issue aims to explore the multifaceted dimensions of multicultural education and its role in fostering inclusivity, empathy, and understanding in diverse societies. Through a combination of theoretical inquiries, empirical research, and practical insights, this issue seeks to address the challenges and opportunities of multicultural education amidst societal polarization. It will examine the intersections of culture, identity, power dynamics, and educational practices, offering strategies for educators to create inclusive learning environments. Additionally, the issue will explore innovative pedagogical approaches, curricular frameworks, and community engagement initiatives that promote intercultural competence and critical consciousness. By facilitating dialogue and sharing best practices, this special issue endeavors to advance the discourse on multicultural education and equip educators with the tools to navigate diversity in divisive times.

The special issue will contribute to the field of multicultural education practice and research by addressing the specific challenges posed by divisive societal contexts. It will offer fresh insights into how educators can effectively navigate these challenges and foster inclusivity and understanding within their classrooms and communities. By synthesizing theoretical perspectives with practical strategies, the special issue will provide innovative approaches tailored to the complexities of contemporary social divisions. Additionally, it will highlight the importance of cultivating critical consciousness and empathy among students, empowering them to engage constructively with diverse perspectives and identities. Ultimately, it will serve as a valuable resource for educators, researchers, policymakers, and practitioners seeking to promote social cohesion and equity in divisive times. Here, it is also important to note the timeliness of this project with divisive political turmoil and conflict among groups at boiling points.

The need for this special issue is underscored by a growing body of literature documenting the profound societal implications of divisive times on education. Scholars such as Banks (2017) and Sleeter (2018) have extensively discussed the challenges of addressing cultural diversity and social justice issues within educational settings. Recent events, such as the resurgence of nationalist movements, the rise in hate crimes, and the polarization of public discourse, further emphasize the urgency of promoting multicultural education (Novotney, 2023; Verkuyten, Yogeeswaran, & Adelman, 2019). These trends have heightened tensions around issues of race, ethnicity, religion, and nationality, creating an imperative for educators to address them directly in their teaching practices (Gorski & Swalwell, 2015).

References

Banks, J. A. (Ed.) (2017). Citizenship education and global migration: Implications for theory, research, and teaching. American Educational Research Association.
Gorski, P. C., & Swalwell, K. (2015). Equity literacy for all. Educational Leadership, 72(6), 34-40.
Novotney, A. (2023). Hate crimes are on the rise in the U.S. American Psychological Association. https://www.apa.org/topics/gun-violence-crime/hate-crimes
Sleeter, C. (2018). Multicultural education past, present, and future: Struggles for dialog and power-sharing. International Journal of Multicultural Education, 20(1). https://doi.org/10.18251/ijme.v20i1.1663
Verkuyten, M., Yogeeswaran, K., & Adelman, L. (2019). Intergroup toleration and its implications for culturally diverse societies. Social Issues and Policy Review, 13(1), 5–35. https://doi.org/10.1111/sipr.12051

List of topic areas

  • Multicultural education across grade levels, including higher education and teacher education
  • Political conflict
  • Social studies education
  • History education
  • Inclusive practices in demographically shifting contexts
  • Empathy in education

Submissions Information

Submissions are made using ScholarOne Manuscripts. Registration and access are available here.

Author guidelines must be strictly followed.

Authors should select (from the drop-down menu) the special issue title at the appropriate step in the submission process, i.e. in response to "Please select the issue you are submitting to".

Submitted articles must not have been previously published, nor should they be under consideration for publication anywhere else, while under review for this journal.

Key deadlines

Closing date for abstract submission: 28th June, 2024

Email for submissions: [email protected]

Opening date for manuscripts submissions: 15th April, 2024

Closing date for manuscripts submission: 3rd January, 2025