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Accepted Quote by Jonathan Kozol

“The trouble is not that schools don't work; they do. They're excellent machines for achieving historically accepted purposes. In suburban schools are children of the rich, who grow up to privilege and anesthetic oblivion to pain - and who then use the servants produced by ghetto schools.” quote by Jonathan Kozol
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“The trouble is not that schools don't work; they do. They're excellent machines for achieving historically accepted purposes. In suburban schools are children of the rich, who grow up to privilege and anesthetic oblivion to pain - and who then use the servants produced by ghetto schools.”

Jonathan Kozol

About This Quote

Source Book: Savage Inequalities by Jonathan Kozol, 1991

Schools function well for the purposes they were built for, but those purposes often reinforce social inequities.

In simple terms: Schools work, yet they can perpetuate inequality.

Key Takeaway

Recognize and challenge the inequities in education.

Themes

education inequality social justice policy

Mood

critical concerned

Type

analytical advocacy

When to use this quote

  • urban schools
  • wealthy suburbs
  • policy reform
  • teacher training

Key Concepts

systemic bias public vs private schooling

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do schools reinforce class divisions?
  • What reforms could make education more equitable?
A Different Perspective

Addressing inequality requires structural change beyond schools.

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