Theoretical Considerations for Art Education Research with and about "Underserved Populations"

Though it is widely used, the concept of "underserved" is sorely undertheorized in art education. Before the field of art education can effectively address the persistent educational disparities across different sociocultural and economic groups, we need deeper understandings of entangled...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Studies in art education 2013-07, Vol.54 (4), p.294-309
Main Authors: Kraehe, Amelia M., Acuff, Joni B.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Art Education
Art galleries & museums
Art teachers
Critical Theory
Cultural Pluralism
Educational Policy
Educational Quality
Educational Research
Educationally Disadvantaged
Learning
Low income groups
Multiculturalism & pluralism
Politics
R&D
Race
Research & development
Rhetoric
Schools
Social Justice
Teaching
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Summary:Though it is widely used, the concept of "underserved" is sorely undertheorized in art education. Before the field of art education can effectively address the persistent educational disparities across different sociocultural and economic groups, we need deeper understandings of entangled sociocultural and political processes that create and conceal underservedness. The term "underservedness" moves us away from conceiving of populations, and instead draws attention to cultural articulations and material conditions that prevent certain groups from fully accessing and benefiting from the resources and opportunities for effective education, including high-quality art experiences. In this article, the authors discuss four theoretical perspectives-critical race theory, intersectionality, critical multiculturalism, and social justice education-that can foster nuanced analyses and cogent explanations of art education in the context of underservedness. The discussion focuses on key tenets of these theoretical perspectives, important points of tension and synergy, and their relevance for art education research.
ISSN:0039-3541
2325-8039
DOI:10.1080/00393541.2013.11518904