ABSTRACT
In this chapter, Prudence Carter argues that educational disparities have multidimensional sources and consequently require multidimensional solutions. Systemic racism in environments beyond school such as housing, communities and neighborhoods, the workforce and wages, healthcare, and so forth captures the macro-, meso-, and micro-drivers of inequality in society. Carter investigates each of these levels of society and details how they impact education. At the macro-level, Carter describes the missed moment of opportunity in the post-World War II era when the United States recalibrated its economic system; instead of improving inequality, discriminatory policies for veterans led to racial disparities in income, neighborhoods, and wealth. At the meso-level, Carter argues that hard and soft structures continue to contribute to de facto segregation within schools and differential outcomes. Finally, at the micro-level, attitudes, expectations, and beliefs about other groups prevent Black and Latinx students from fully integrating into schools. Carter concludes by stating that schools have failed to integrate all students, but that there is still room to shift the tide with equitable opportunities, culturally flexible minds, and empathic hearts.
