The “Trouble” with School Behavior and Discipline Policies in Neoliberal Times

“This important book reminds education scholars that the political remains entrenched with/in the personal. Extending a tradition of reflexive critical inquiry into the social politics of schooling and systemic education, Robinson poses important new questions for considering pedagogical practice and our work as educators. Using personal accounts and reflections of everyday classroom encounters interwoven with adept applications of the critical education literature, Robinson demonstrates her positioning at the center of current debates surrounding the purpose of education. This book is both a reminder of what is at stake in schooling, and a clarion for creating new educational imaginaries.” —Andrew Hickey, Professor, School of Humanities and Communication, University of Southern Queensland
“Robinson’s account of the ‘trouble’ with school discipline and behavior is honest and unflinching in its examination of the disconnection between the lives of young people and the policies and practices designed to coerce, control and manage them. Drawing together rich theorisations and confronting empirical evidence from her work in Western Australian schools, Robinson shines a light on the harmful ‘common sense’ of school discipline policies and practices, pointing towards the possibilities of a more relational and democratic schooling for all young people.” —Stewart Riddle, Professor (Curriculum & Pedagogy), School of Education, University of Southern Queensland