Deculturalization and the Struggle for Equality: A Brief History of the Education of Dominated Cultures in the United States

by Joel Spring

"Deculturalization and the Struggle for Equality" is a concise history of Anglo American racism and school policies affecting dominated groups in the United States. In this text, Spring focuses on the educational, legal and social construction of race and racism, and on educational practices related to deculturalization, segregation, and the civil rights movement. He emphasizes issues of power and control in schools and how the dominant Anglo class has stripped away the culture of minority peoples in the U.S. and replaced it with the dominant culture. Spring gives voice to the often-overlooked perspectives of African Americans, Asian Americans, Hispanic/Latino Americans, and Native Americans. An understanding of these historical perspectives and how they impact current conditions and policies is critical to teachers' success or failure in today's diverse classrooms. Very brief and affordable, "Deculturalization and the Struggle for Equality" is an ideal supplement for Introduction/Foundations of Education, Multicultural Education, or any course that seeks to expand student notions of what U.S. education has been and is. In the fourth edition, Spring has included improved chapter conclusions and clarified material in all chapters, and has updated scholarship and treatment throughout.

Genres: Education, Nonfiction, School, History, Teaching, Politics, Textbooks

Paperback

First published January 1, 1994

Reviews

[Carrie · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book was full of relevant information, but the content was disorganized at times. Some supporting facts had little to do with the topic of the paragraph, at other times content from several pages early was written again. Most of all, it felt like Spring was in a place to write the history of the Native Americans but was guessing at other areas of the book.

Oh, and a personal pet peeve, Wikipedia should never be used as a source in an informational text of this level. Take the time to find a reliable source or don't include the information.

[Nicholas Martinez · Rating 3 out of 5]

Spring presents a very brief history of oppression in the United States that's neither complete nor flawless.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the first chapter, the author was very one-sided and angry. He is Native American, so I understand his aggression. If I did not have to read this for a class, I would have put it down after a few pages because the author is deliberately slanted. In the second chapter, Spring calms down, and the book moves along very well. He deftly covers the subject of forced assimilation and deculturization on non-white cultures since the 1700's. It is not the definitive word on this type of treatment because I believe every story has 2 sides, but it is definitely worth reading. There were many things I was unaware of before I read this book. This book is relevant because of our current situation with illegal immigrants. It may just change a few opinions.

[McKenzie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I had to read this for a class, otherwise I wouldn’t have picked it up.

I did appreciate some of the historical accounts and research the author did. The education of these different ethnic groups in America have had a very nuanced and difficult past.

That said, the organization of this book was poor. None of the chapters followed a linear path that made sense. I would finish each chapter saying, “Okay, thanks for that information, now what’s the point?” That question was never answered.

The author has a Native American background, which made that section of the book fuller. However, he also had a strong personal bias that showed through there as well. Unfortunately, the tone that he took did not serve to make me empathetic to his opinion.

[Juan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Professor Joel Spring provides a compelling indictment of how the United States has used education to seize the land, resources, and labor of its colonial people. This is a must-read for anybody interested in education, but especially for anyone interested in developing or teaching an Ethnic Studies program or topic. This might be useful for educators who have been filed by the US Colonial Educational System and lack historical understanding of a White Capitalist System, how it operates, and where it is heading.

[Yolanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lot of information that I didn’t know. This book is easy to read.

[Sally · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book studies only three cultures dominated through educational policies of the US - Native Americans, Puerto Ricans, and African-Americans. Fantasticlly educational read, if not quite an encompassing perspective. Spring shines when talking about his own culture in particular. I'm glad I read this, yet I feel enlightened and ashamed at the same time.

[Gillian Bourassa]

At times, I felt like Spring was beating a dead horse (pardon the dubiously appropriate idiom) in detailing the ways in which minority groups have suffered discrimination in US education, but I did learn some new information about the subject. It's a decent introduction to anyone who isn't very familiar with the subject.

[Pete · Rating 4 out of 5]

Spring and Zinn are kindred spirits, I believe.

[Hilary · Rating 3 out of 5]

Informative but super dry.

[Nathan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think this book provides an insightful and lucid look at how schools have attempted to replace minority cultures and languages with those of the dominant culture. Spring's book is a must read for understanding historical and current flashpoint issues in schooling. Spring's illuminating discussion of how 21st century corporate culture is a dominant culture itself and how today’s education policies are designed to prepare all students to fit into it.

Perhaps the premise of his book is that white Anglo-Saxon Protestants have systematically denied educational access to ethnic minorities in order to establish and perpetuate their own system of privilege. The book covers historical injustices against several minority groups: Asian-Americans, Hispanic Americans, and others.

This book gives a very different look at the history of minorities in the United States than perhaps many have heard in school or elsewhere. The content is easy to read and is not too saturated with statistics to understand. I would recommend this book to anyone who may be going to work in the education system.

[Ryan Berger · Rating 2 out of 5]

Very, very dry and strangely organized. Spring doesn't seem to have a feel for how to structure history to create a clearer picture or illustrate trends. The research here is both dense and also lacking.

One issue that I was particularly frustrated with when it comes to its presentation is that of English as America's official National Language. I find the conversation surrounding non-English speaking students in classrooms to be one of the most fascinating and thorniest problems in Education. In many ways-- we are needlessly draconian about forbidding the use of supplemental materials to students who cannot read English fluently. This is not the policy of an education system that is truly interested in the enrichment and development of the child nor one that respects its heritage.

That said, Spring's suggestions for how we can logistically instruct students in their mother tongue while allowing them to present, write, and collaborate with other students in their preferred language is vague. He only outlines that students should be able to. Even as an AI skeptic, the translation tools might make this a reality but I forsee a lot of difficulties trying to square that circle.

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. The author gives a brief telling of the history of deculturalization education policies in relation to a few of the major non-white groups in the United States. It's interesting and straightforward, though perhaps not as exhaustive as some readers might hope. I would recommend it if you're interested in the topic of how education is used as a tool to bolster and maintain dominant culture in this country.

[Adelaide · Rating 4 out of 5]

Noyce book club. Helpful overview that sparked our interest in reading more about Puerto Rico and the Filipino experience in America. The criticism of common core was interesting as well as the context of previous reform programs, since I have only taught in the era of national (ish) standards and testing.

[Carlotta Harold · Rating 5 out of 5]

the weaponization of education as a tool for colonialism and white supremacy is terrifying, and it is even more terrifying how deep the roots of educational deculturalization are. i did not realize how much of our current education system reflects early efforts to suppress native cultures and any non-white, non-english speaking people.

[Norah Mahoney · Rating 3 out of 5]

I started reading this in fall 2024 for a class I was taking at University about social justice and diversity in education. This book holds so much important historical context to how the US has treated other ethnic groups since the founding of this country.

If you have any interest in community engagement, education, policy, or history I would recommend this book.

[Grace Johnson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very eye-opening and thought-provoking. However Spring had a very angry tone and was quite biased. Still worth a read especially if going into education. I only wish the chapters were shorter and his thoughts more organized.

[Anna Cross · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is essential to understanding the history of education in the United States. This book and the topics are heavy but important to read and understand the history of the American education system for various ethic and racial groups.

[Bridget Hopkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rethink what you think you know

Great overview of the history of deculturalization and segregation in American education and the policies that allowed it or shifted it. Interesting perspectives on recent educational policies.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Often overly repetitive, but very informative and eye-opening.

[Cassie · Rating 5 out of 5]

read it for a grad school course, but it was very interesting and full of quality information. not what I'd call a fun read, but very informative. I learned a lot

[Katelin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Honestly, it's what it is. It's informational, but also a very challenging read. It didn't wow me, but I learned, so I count that as a plus.

[Mindy · Rating 1 out of 5]

Important topic, poor execution.

[Christine · Rating 3 out of 5]

For ESL endorsement

[Heshua Evans · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall, I like the book. I find him less biased than many that right on the subjects and I appreciate that.

[Anastasia C · Rating 3 out of 5]

really interesting content however the writing fell flat for me.

[John Garcia- Landry · Rating 5 out of 5]

I highly recommend this book for many different reasons. I was hesitant to read this book as it was required for a university class. I am glad that I read this book. This book is very interesting and well-written.

[Patrice · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book details how American education has been used as a tool of oppression and subjugation and for the cultural and linguistic genocide of minority groups in the United States, specifically for African Americans, Native Americans, Asian Americans and Hispanic Americans (Mexican and Puerto Rican).

[Janet · Rating 3 out of 5]

Minority groups' struggle in the United States and their fight for equal educational opportunities. Interesting, but this book was "brief," especially when it discussed the educational history. It was more of a minority history of the United States book than one pertaining to education.

[Sky · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is very deep and powerful. It talks about the history of Native Americans, African Americans, Mexicans, and Asians and how the english settlers worked to deculturalize these races and commit cultural genocide.