education policy analysis archives A peer-reviewed, independent, open access, multilingual journal
Arizona State University
Volume 27 Number 84
July 22, 2019
ISSN 1068-2341
Shortchanging Complexity: Discourse, Distortions, and Diversity Policy in the Age of Neoliberalism Andrea Arce-Trigatti
Tennessee Tech University United States
& Ashlee B. Anderson
University of Tennessee, Knoxville United States Citation: Arce-Trigatti, A., & Anderson, A. (2019). Shortchanging complexity: Discourse, distortions, and diversity policy in the age of neoliberalism. Education Policy Analysis Archives, 27(84). https://doi.org/10.14507/epaa.27.4268 Abstract: With this paper we explore the practical materialization of select diversity policies in the United States via an analysis of their implementation at different institutional levels. Specifically, using a cultural studies framework that is guided by Stuart Hall’s (1993) concept of distortions, we investigate how discursive conceptualizations of diversity have been translated into educational policy at the federal and state levels. We contend that the complexity of diversity is often inconsistent with existing neoliberal reform trends that embrace standardization and accountability, making meaningful practical applications exponentially more challenging (Manna, 2011; Wong, 2008). Finally, we look to how these analyses might inform future iterations of diversity policy in a time where rapid changes in education policy and characteristically partisan politi cal agendas have become the norm. Keywords: Cultural studies; Stuart Hall; diversity policy; neoliberalism; distortions Journal website: http://epaa.asu.edu/ojs/ Facebook: /EPAAA Twitter: @epaa_aape
Manuscript received: 10/17/2018 Revisions received: 1/17/2019 Accepted: 3/27/2019