Talking About Teaching Mathematics for Social Justice by David Stocker, David Wagner

Talking About Teaching Mathematics for Social Justice

David Stocker, David Wagner

In this article Stocker and Wagner express their opinion regarding the involvement of mathematics education in understanding social justice. They believe that similar to other scientists, the mathematician also “contribute to the shaping of this world”. Stocker states that his interest in social justice came from his experiences as a family member. He has learned “people who are encouraged, feel capable and appreciated and as a result will tend to act in a connected, cooperative way”. “The family dynamic is organized democratically and behaviorist practices (such as reward and punishment) are replaced with authentic listening, choice, and real opportunities to shape the environment”. Wagner also believes that his point of view regarding social justice came from his experiences in the family. He has learned about Mennonites history and their sacrifices to achieve social justice to make a better life for the human. However, he has thought his achievement in his life is only because of his “hardworking and superiority” but his experiences in Swaziland showed him the influence of social issues on people life and to what extent it might prevent capable people to promote.  

To contribute mathematics in social justice, Stocker believes that teacher can propose questions related to social issues (unions, youth crime, economic systems, defense spending, and etc.) to bright a light in student’s head and lead them to understand their society issues. For instance, he asked his students to draw two graphs in one paper and compare them together, one, the amount of money has been spent for advertisement and the other the amount of money is needed to eradicate hunger in the world. The results were shocking for students, so, Stocker believes that this shock becomes a basis for action in the future.

In their discussion, Stocker puts emphasis on a very interesting point. He argues that usually in each classroom there are some students who are dealing with social issues such as domestic abuse, racial profiling, and certainly poverty. He states that “not confronting these issues directly, I worry that we take students who are disempowered, to begin with and silence them further.” This point of view was a big stop for me. It is really true if we will not talk about the issues that surround our society, children who are involved, never have the courage or even opportunity to talk about their problems. They always ashamed of their situation and will not dare to discuss them. I think gradually these children will believe they are a part of these issues and feel guilty. This feeling might lead them to act as a villain. So it cannot be so surprising that children who live in such a neighborhood often are involved in crime and became a criminal. I think classroom can be a safe and secure environment that children express their feeling and talking about their issues. However, it needs welcoming atmosphere from teachers to insure students that they can express themselves. What is your point of view as a teacher to make this environment for students?

Another interesting stop for me was Wagner point of view that providing meaningless contexts for the mathematical application can be considered as a low-level social abuse for students. I am totally agreed with this point of view. Teachers are responsible for teaching meaningful lesson, to clarify mathematical topics, to answer directly and correctly, to spend quality time with students. Parents always trust a teacher to take care of their children, to put children’s interest in front of everything, to teach them anything they need, so, if a teacher disregards this trust, I believe he/she abuse social trust. What is your point of view of this low-level social abuse?

In the view of social issues that are raised by the act of capitalism, Wagner suggests that rich capitalists and businessman don't really think about the effects their actions have on others, so they plan based on their benefits and interest. Although in general I am agreed with Wagner, however, I have read and heard the opinion of some of these people who believe they are doing so much good for others, so, a little bit bad consequences of their action can be forgettable!! They believe they make the job for hundreds of people and bring comfort for many families and although the salary of workers might not be high, at least they have a job to manage their family. Or they spend a part of their profit for the people of poor countries or educating foster children. From my point of view, these are arguments that are worthy of attention and consideration. There are many important parameters that are involved in these situations. Those people who are the victim of this system cannot be ignored, at the same time those poor people that are benefited from this system cannot be ignored. So, "an extreme illness cannot be cured with a moderate medicine." (Latner, 2005). What is your point of view regarding this complicated issue?