Emphasizing Social Justice and Equity in Leadership for Early Childhood: Taking a Postmodern Turn to Make Complexity Visible

by Julie Nicholson

Overview

There is inherent complexity in a field like early childhood where people and their relationships are at the center of their work; daily practices involve negotiating webs of dynamic relations, shifting contexts, value conflicts, and profoundly diverse family constellations and community and cultural environments. Emphasizing Social Justice and Equity in Leadership for Early Childhood: Taking a Postmodern Turn to Make Complexity Visible expands our conceptions of leadership by drawing on postmodern ontological and epistemological perspectives that value, and make visible, diversities and complex human experiences. Julie Nicholson explores the challenges facing children domestically and globally regarding contemporary social justice and equity; she also provides several frameworks and specific strategies that early childhood educators can draw from in enacting leadership inspired by the ideas presented throughout the book. Richly contextualized vignettes are woven into each chapter to highlight the voices and experiences of courageous early childhood professionals working in very different roles and contexts.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781498535526
Publisher:	Lexington Books
Publication date:	05/04/2017
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	212
File size:	643 KB

About the Author

Julie Nicholson is deputy director for WestEd’s Center for Child and Family Studies.

Table of Contents

Contents

Introduction
Chapter 1: Anchors for Expanding Conceptualizations Leadership in Early Childhood
Chapter 2: Multiplicities, Tensions and Uncertainties in Leadership Practice: Building a Conceptual Toolbox to Support Reflection and Critical Praxis
Chapter 3: Intersectional Identities in Leadership
Chapter 4: Inserting Equity and Social Justice into Conceptualizations of Leadership
Chapter 5: Expanding Conceptions of Leadership in Everyday Practice
References
About the Author

Editorial Reviews

A fresh new look at how and why we need inspiring leaders that are essential for quality programs in early childhood education. Rethinking leadership around issues of social justice and equity are essential in contemporary times. This thought-provoking book stimulates rethinking our notions of leadership around issues of social justice and equity that will ensure that early childhood education can thrive in the 21st century on a solid foundation of children’s rights. Essential reading for students and practitioners to understand the complexities of effective leadership.

Nicola Yelland

Nicholson’s text provides an alternative conceptual framework that captures the complexities of authentic local and global leadership and which has the potential to transform the field of early childhood education and care. With a clear focus on leadership for social justice and equity, this is a must-read for anyone interested in making the world a better place for young children and families.

Debora B. Wisneski