The Politics of Difference and Multicultural Feminism: Reconceptualizing Education for Democracy

Abstract

Contemporary society and social education would benefit by being reconceptualized according to a multicultural feminist theoretical standpoint that asserts a politics of difference in place of the current ideology of universality. Making this case, the author critiques universality as it is used in public discourse and policy and demonstrates how, despite its apparent orientation toward egalitarianism, universality has failed to secure equal rights for marginalized groups. The author posits “equivalent rights” in place of “equal rights” and concludes with a discussion of pedagogical strategies that may best facilitate education for democracy.