Disuguaglianze sociali nel sistema scolastico americano. Un’interpretazione attraverso il confronto con Henry Giroux

The contribution aims to reflect on the literacy skills and inequalities that characterize the American school system, through a diachronic perspective. To this end, the data that emerge from the comparison between some statistical surveys and from national and international studies that have been conducted over the last fifty years are reported. Through this analysis, it clearly emerges how racial inequalities, already evident in the past, are persistent almost unchanged over time. After presenting the descriptive data, an interpretation is proposed through the analysis of Henry Giroux’ critical theory. The point of view of the American pedagogist, to whom the author proposed an interview, is therefore presented, and a harsh criticism of the American school system emerges, highlighting the problematic issues. After examining the historical and economic causes of the education crisis, the possibility of a growth of critical consciousness through education and the development of a language of “informed hope” are identified.

Parole chiave:literacy skills, social inequalities, school dropout, critical function of education, educated hope.

Teresa Savoia, Disuguaglianze sociali nel sistema scolastico americano. Un’interpretazione attraverso il confronto con Henry Giroux in "CADMO" 2/2023, pp 93-108, DOI: 10.3280/CAD2023-002007