Hampshire College

About: Hampshire College is a education organization based out in Amherst Center, Massachusetts, United States. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Genetic programming & Population. The organization has 461 authors who have published 998 publications receiving 40827 citations.

Inclusion and Social Justice in Outdoor Education

Abstract: Issues of inclusion and social justice in outdoor and environmental education (OEE) mirror the struggles in larger society to embrace equity in a world where historical, structural, and institutional forces impede equal access and opportunity. The early history of outdoor education as a white, male, class-privileged domain still influences the administration and practice of outdoor and environmental education programs and classroom teaching. A single and monolithic world view of the theory and practice of OEE has emerged and persists from these narratives of power and privilege. This paradigmatic view too often fails to include the participation and voices of marginalized people and communities. For example, while women and people of color are making inroads in outdoor program participation, gaining increased entry into mid-level employment, and exercising some influence over educational policy, the major decision-making power and high-level administration positions in outdoor and educational organizations still tend to be the domain of white males. Issues of land colonization, the inequitable siting of environmentally destructive infrastructure (e.g., dumps, power plants, pipelines) in marginalized communities, and the class-privileged history of conservation and preservation movements further call for social justice in environmental education. The goal of this entry is to review the current state of social justice and inclusion in the fields of outdoor adventure, outdoor education, and environmental education and provide some ideas for teachers and practitioners to address these issues.