Speaking about Diversity in School Pedagogics: Discourse Analytical Perspectives

Abstract

The term diversity [German: "Heterogenität"] is being increasingly used in school pedagogics; although its functions and applications are far from clear. In this paper I consider the "speaking about heterogeneity" on the basis of a discourse analysis of introductions to anthologies. The ordering functions of the discourse about diversity are analyzed. Discursive formations point at the specific discourse organization, which is characterized by ambiguity, call for action, and normativity. Difference is de-historicized, ontologized, and placed in the discourse as individual plurality. This can lead to making pedagogical interactions impossible.

URN: http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:0114-fqs1202160