Encyclopedia of Activism and Social Justice
Editor/Author: Anderson, Gary L.Publication Year: 2007
Publisher: Sage Publications
ISBN: 978-1-4129-1812-1
Category: social sciences
Image Count: 43
Book Status: Available
The Encyclopedia of Activism and Social Justice presents a comprehensive overview of the field with topics of varying dimensions, breadth, and length. This Encyclopedia is designed for readers to understand the topics, concepts, and ideas that motivate and shape the fields of activism, civil engagement, and social justice and includes biographies of the major thinkers and leaders who have influenced and continue to influence the study of activism.
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This encyclopedia serves as both good resource and good reading. Of activism, Paul Hawken (Orion, May/June 2007) says " ... the breadth of the movement is like trying to hold the ocean in your hand." EASJ inserts the reader into that wide expanse of international, local, historical, and contemporary activism. More studious than Beacham's Encyclopedia of Social Change, ed. by V. Khan (CH, May'02, 39-4951), and more expansive than Encyclopedia of American Social Movements, ed. by I. Ness (CH, Feb'05, 42-3165), EASJ exposes readers to justice-seekers ranging from the Society of Friends to Michael Moore, and from the times of Jesus and Mohammed to the current peace movement. Articles list suggested readings and feature See Also notations. A very small number of oddities include the listing "Amish See Quakers," and the truncating of the Grape Boycott to the original wage contract dispute. Perhaps omitting the 26 pages devoted to "Listed Entries" and "Reading Guides," and letting the very good index stand alone, might have allowed the inclusion of additional articles on subjects like microloans or Flick Off. Overall, though, this work is a great resource and an inspiration. Readers interested in education, ecology/environmentalism, political science, sociology, poverty eradication, and public policy will find this title educational and enlightening. Perhaps this convivial source will lead the disillusioned to become demonstrative.
J. Q. Vance
Walla Walla Community College -
This encyclopedia brings together in one work signed essays from American and international scholars on important individuals, movements, and events dealing with activism and social justice. The list of contributors identifies academic affiliation or occupation. The entries are presented alphabetically, but a reader's guide helps to identify major topic areas. An extensive index helps to locate individuals, events, and movements that are part of larger entries. The main editors, Gary Anderson (New York University) and Kathryn Herr (Montclair State University), are American education faculty with a strong interest in social justice. They have solicited the assistance of 17 associate editors from American, Australian, and Argentinean universities and from diverse academic fields to assist in preparing the encyclopedia.The criteria for inclusion of topics are based on the work of one of the associate editors (Brian Martin, University of Wollongong, Australia). His entry "Activism, Social and Political" is essential for understanding the goals of the encyclopedia and should have been used as the introduction. There is a definite left bias in the selection of topics, and the editors do not reject movements that promote or practice violence as long as social justice is a stated goal. Most readers will find at least one topic that offends them (e.g., Khmer Rouge, Intifada, Zionism, Castro, Mao Tse- tung). Most of the entries are from the twentieth century, although important people from earlier times are included. There are some inconsistencies. For example, the prophet Muhammad is included, but Moses is not. Despite these imperfections, this encyclopedia contains many useful entries. It is recommended for academic and public libraries.
Cynthia Crosser
Social Sciences and Humanities Reference, Fogler Library, Univ. of Maine, Orono
