Abstract
AbstractThis paper offers a case study of the Life History of the Word Gap (WG) Story, the most prominent deficit discourse of the contemporary era. Mindful of mounting critiques of deficit thinking and informed by Bakhtinian theory, we seek to understand the Story's ascendance by interrogating its evolving historical context. Where did the Story begin, what fueled its circulation, what were its consequences, and how does it end? We found that implicit biases of class, race, and method converged with sociopolitical developments to create a thoroughly flawed but remarkably resilient WG Story. Heedless of history, structural inequalities, and contradictory evidence from other disciplines, the Story spread across American research, policy, and media, attaining the status of received wisdom and infiltrating schools. Ethnographic studies revealed that the Story stigmatizes poor youngsters, shapes teachers’ and peers’ perceptions, and creates discriminatory programs and practices. We conclude by addressing obstacles to imagining new stories.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
