Standing at the Intersection of Race and Class in Music Education

Abstract

The main purpose of this essay is to critically analyze why social class receives relatively little attention in American social justice scholarship in music education. An associated aim is to make a case for more extensive considerations of class, including a much stronger intersectional alliance between critical class and antiracist scholarship. In particular, an intersectional approach to class and race is shown to have explanatory and political potential in music education, particularly in the controversy surrounding Michael Butera’s resignation as NAfME Executive Director. The article concludes with a call for solidarity among all who strive for social justice in music education.