Rurality, Diversity and Schooling

Focusing upon two state high schools in rural Australia, Colvin presents an empirically rich and engaging analysis of multicultural diversity. This important book challenges assumptions that associate rural contexts with whiteness and asks incisive questions about the language and narratives of diversity, including the silences and exclusions involved. – Peter Hopkins, Professor of Social Geography, Newcastle University, UKThis book makes a powerful and unique contribution to the growing field of antiracist studies of education and rurality. Colvin’s research provides a detailed and unflinching study of diversity, racism and the realities of policy and practice in a regional Australian town. Hidden contradictions and power-plays are explored in a bold, nuanced and complex analysis that has international relevance. – David Gillborn, editor-in-chief of the journal Race Ethnicity and Education

It is unsettling reading to learn common-sense and feel-good ideas about ‘difference’ and ‘diversity’ areentangled with the reproduction of racial hierarchies and inequalities, but it also gives space to thinking about other ways schools can operate to build inclusion and belonging. It moves beyond critique to identify ways schooling outside cities can operate to be more equitable and inclusive.

Neroli Colvin (1965-2018) was a cultural studies of education scholar at the Institute for Culture and Society at Western Sydney University, Australia. She conducted research into the impact of cultural diversity and practices of multiculturalism on schooling in regional areas.