Power Relations in Everyday School Life: A Critical Ethnography of Classrooms and Staffrooms

Introduction

In this groundbreaking book, Lucia Maria Goncalves de Resende offers a critical ethnography of power relations in everyday school life. Drawing on extensive fieldwork in two Brazilian schools, Resende examines how power is exercised and negotiated by teachers, students, and administrators, and how these power dynamics shape the educational experiences of students.

Theoretical Framework

Resende's analysis is informed by a variety of theoretical perspectives, including critical theory, feminist theory, and postcolonial theory. She argues that power is not a static or monolithic entity, but rather a fluid and dynamic process that is constantly being negotiated and contested. Power relations are also shaped by social inequalities, such as class, race, and gender.

Findings

Resende's research reveals a complex web of power relations in everyday school life. She finds that teachers and administrators often exercise power in ways that are oppressive and disempowering for students. For example, teachers may use their authority to silence students, discourage critical thinking, and impose their own values on students. Administrators may use their power to create and maintain a hierarchical and bureaucratic school culture that stifles creativity and innovation.

Implications

Resende's findings have important implications for educators and policymakers. She argues that schools need to be transformed into more democratic and egalitarian institutions. This can be done by giving students more voice and power in the classroom, by creating more collaborative and supportive relationships between teachers and students, and by challenging the social inequalities that shape power relations in schools.

Conclusion

Power Relations in Everyday School Life is a powerful and provocative book that offers a critical examination of power relations in schools. Resende's research provides important insights into the ways that power is exercised and negotiated in schools, and how these power dynamics shape the educational experiences of students. This book is essential reading for anyone interested in understanding the social dynamics of schooling and in creating more just and equitable schools.

Reviews

"Power Relations in Everyday School Life is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the social dynamics of schooling. Resende's research is rigorous and insightful, and her findings have important implications for educators and policymakers."

• Henry Giroux, Distinguished Professor of English and Cultural Studies, McMaster University

"This book is a powerful and provocative critique of power relations in schools. Resende's analysis is theoretically sophisticated and empirically grounded, and her findings are deeply disturbing. This book is essential reading for anyone who cares about the future of education."

• ** bell hooks, Distinguished Professor of English, City College of New York**

"Power Relations in Everyday School Life is a major contribution to the field of education. Resende's research is groundbreaking and her findings are eye-opening. This book is a must-read for anyone who wants to understand how power works in schools and how it shapes the educational experiences of students."

• Sonia Nieto, Professor Emerita of Education, University of Massachusetts, Amherst