Pushout The Criminalization Of Black Girls In Schools Sparknotes

Pushout Book Report: Lauren Morris

Monique Morris' book "Pushout: The Criminalization of Black Girls in Schools" investigates how the education system unfairly targets and disciplines Black girls. The book highlights the challenges that arise from the intersectionality of race and gender, leading to Black girls being forced out of the educational environment. Morris heavily relies on research and personal narratives to demonstrate a disturbing trend where Black girls receive more severe disciplinary actions than their white peers, resulting in higher rates of suspensions and expulsions. Additionally, the author interviews girls who have experienced this injustice, highlighting the systemic biases and discriminatory practices contributing to

She highlights the disparity in how age influences the perception and treatment of Black girls compared to their white counterparts. Morris states, "Young black girls, like their peers, are influenced by societal norms and expectations about gender, sexuality, and age, yet these factors play out uniquely for them, creating distinctive conditions that make some girls vulnerable to school pushout" (Morris, 2015, p. 14). This quote emphasizes that societal treatment of Black girls is influenced by age, gender, and racial dynamics, resulting in specific conditions that increase their vulnerability to discriminatory practices and exclusion from the educational

Through personal narratives and extensive research, Morris demonstrates how harmful stereotypes and biases held by educators and administrators contribute to the criminalization of Black girls, perpetuating a cycle of inequality and reinforcing racial disparities. The book underscores the importance of examining biases and adopting alternative approaches, such as restorative justice and healing, to create supportive educational environments that uplift Black girls. From a criminological perspective, the book could have delved deeper into strain, labeling, and social control theories to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the factors contributing to the criminalization of Black girls. The criminalization of Black girls in schools has far-reaching consequences for their academic success and prospects, undermining their mental and emotional well-being and eroding their self-worth. Comprehensive reforms prioritizing equity, inclusivity, and the creation of supportive educational environments are necessary to address this issue. Overall, the book provides valuable insights into the experiences of Black girls within the education system and highlights the need for systemic