Nice is not enough : inequality and the limits of kindness at American High / C.J. Pascoe.

Author/creator Pascoe, C. J., 1974- author.
Format Book
PublicationOakland, California : University of California Press, [2023]
Descriptionxix, 240 pages ; 24 cm
Subjects
High school students--Political activity. --United States. --21st century.
Equality--United States. --21st century.
Education, Secondary--Social aspects. --United States. --21st century.
Kindness.

Contents Preface -- No room for hate -- The politics of protection -- Love and justice at American High -- When Powder Puff becomes Power Tough -- The philanthropic class -- The politics of care.
Abstract "Based on two years of research at American High, Nice Is Not Enough shares striking dispatches from one high school's 'regime of kindness' to underline how the culture operates as a band-aid on persistent inequalities. Through incisive storytelling and thoughtful engagement with students, this brilliant study by C.J. Pascoe exposes uncomfortable truths about American politics and our reliance on individual solutions instead of profound systemic change. Nice Is Not Enough brings readers into a middle- and working-class high school characterized by acceptance, connection, and kindness--a place where, a prominent sign states, 'there is no room for hate.' Here, inequality is narrowly understood as a problem of individual merit, meanness, effort, or emotion rather than a systemic issue requiring deeper intervention. Surface-level sensitivity allows American High to avoid 'political' topics related to social inequality based on race, sex, gender, or class. Being nice to each other, Pascoe reveals, does not serve these students or solve the broader issues we face; but a true politics of care just might"-- Provided by publisher.
General note"A Naomi Schneider book"
Bibliography noteIncludes bibliographical references and index.
Issued in other formOnline version: Pascoe, C. J., 1974- Nice is not enough Oakland, California : University of California Press, [2023] 9780520396753
LCCN 2023006014
ISBN9780520276437 hardcover
ISBN0520276434 hardcover
ISBNelectronic book

Availability

Library Location Call Number Status Item Actions
Joyner General Stacks LA229 .P346 2023 ✔ Available Place Hold