In ‘Deculturalization and the Struggle for Equality,’ Joel Spring provides a compelling history of school policies that have been imposed on various dominated groups in the United States. This work delves into the concept of deculturalization, which refers to the systematic stripping away of family languages and cultures, replacing them with those of the dominant group. The book focuses particularly on the education of groups that have been forced to assimilate into a new identity in territories conquered by the U.S.

The groups highlighted include Native Americans, Enslaved Africans, Chinese, Mexicans, Puerto Ricans, and Hawaiians. Spring’s work is organized into seven concise and thought-provoking chapters, each documenting how education has served as a tool to alter or eliminate the linguistic and cultural traditions of these communities. The author examines the educational, legal, and social construction of race and racism in the United States, bringing attention to the various interpretations of ‘equality’ that have existed from colonial America to the present day.

This detailed exploration provides a broader perspective for understanding the longstanding denial of cultural and linguistic rights in the United States. Issues surrounding language, culture, and deculturalization are not only presented in a national context but are also placed within a global framework, enriching the reader’s understanding of these critical issues.

The 8th Edition of this important work includes a significant update: a new chapter titled ‘Global Corporate Culture and Separate But Equal.’ This chapter discusses contemporary efforts at deculturalization, which involve the replacement of personal and familial cultures with corporate culture. The aim is to enhance worker efficiency, a significant shift that reflects ongoing trends in the education system and labor force.

Furthermore, substantial updates and revisions have been made throughout all other chapters, ensuring that the content remains relevant and insightful. The author draws connections between historical practices of deculturalization and current educational policies, highlighting the continuous struggle for cultural recognition and equality in the educational landscape.

Overall, Joel Spring’s ‘Deculturalization and the Struggle for Equality’ serves not only as an educational resource but also as a clarion call for recognizing and addressing the cultural injustices that have persisted throughout American history. This book is essential for anyone interested in understanding the complexities of race, culture, and education in the United States, and it provides a thoughtful examination of how these elements intersect to shape the experiences of marginalized communities.