Wednesday, June 26, 2013

Intellectification: Identity and intellectual Classism

I was reminded recently that certain cities are known for their intellectual snobbery with regards to the the school or schools attended. Intellectual classism was a term that was first applied to the African-American community. It is in essence the division between “smart” black people and their “ghetto” counterparts. http://www.clutchmagonline.com/2010/03/culture-wars-standing-in-way-of-progress/ The term now is not limited to just one group however, it can be applied to others. I wondered if there was a word for educational or intellectual classsism. 

Not finding a word readily, I coined intellectification, The identification of oneself with (superior) intellect.

In the process of investigating intellectual classism I came across a really worthwhile blog.
http://educationandclass.com/2013/06/. It's one thing to do the analysis but quite another to address the educational issues. Reading this blog is like a breath of rich oxygenated air. It combines research, practice and a wide variety of commentary on resources.

Jane Van Galen is a professor at the University of Washington who works with education students developing college vision in area high schools. More at
http://www.bothell.washington.edu/research/research-in-action/jane-van-galen

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