Reading Corner for Educators: Addressing Social Inequalities through Literacy Education

Perceptions of race, class, and gender are culturally and socially shaped and form the roots for inequities in our society and our classrooms. In this column we review three books that question institutionalized perceptions of race and class. The authors examine the history of schooling that contributes to great divides among human races and ranks individuals based on race, speech, and class. These books posit that to question and examine our perception of race, class, and gender is the key to providing justice and equal education to ALL children, especially those who come from family backgrounds that are historically and socially marginalized.