Abstract
It is generally agreed upon that social equity is a central concern for public administrators (McCandless et al., 2022), but how it is best incorporated into the MPA curriculum is still a matter of debate (see Abbott et al., 2023). In their new book, Lessons in Social Equity: A Case Study Book, Johnson and Meyer take on the challenge of teaching MPA students about social equity using a case study approach. Why is a book of case studies important for the field? Case studies are stories that relay a moral or principle to the reader (Hatcher et al., 2018). The purpose of an effective case study is to place the student in the position to apply concepts and theories through a simulated scenario, providing them the opportunity to practice various skills in a safe environment before they must do so in their professional careers.
The book is structured around 13 case studies, each tackling a different component of social equity.
The chapters cover the geographic spectrum of the world, ranging from Baltimore, MD to Zambia, and on to India, and the topics of the chapters span from Native Americans, to vulnerable populations, and Jiu-Jitsu. In the context of the typical MPA program, the breadth of the chapters allows for their incorporation into most any course. As an example, “Chapter 9: Refocusing Resources on Vulnerable Populations,” can easily be incorporated into a class on public budgeting and finance. In the chapter, Renderos explores the disparity of services that people have experienced in response to COVID. These disparities include higher mortality rates and employment loss among minority populations. Although the chapter does not discuss budgeting directly, it focuses indirectly on how we can allocate the budget to be more equitable amongst the population.
There are two chapters that I would like to specifically address. The first of these is “Chapter 1: Native Americans, Nonprofit Sector Development, and Community Challenges.” Native communities have experienced centuries of discrimination and marginalization with the intent of breeding out the Native populations (see Chow, 2018). In the case study, Foxworth discusses how Native populations have been working to rebuild their communities and reverse their histories of neglect. While the public and private sectors both play critical roles in the development of Native nations, here is also a rowing nonprofit sector that has played a critical role in the development in recent years. The case study focuses on how this sector emerged and how it has been used effectively. The outcome of the chapter is an understanding of how the nonprofit sector can be used to address problems either created or expanded upon by other sectors of the economy, which can be of use to any community looking to rebuild itself. The chapter is worth noting because it gives an overview of how the nonprofit sector can address social inequities, but also because it provides a concise understanding of government treatment of Native nations and the impact that this treatment had. This is an issue in the history of governments worldwide that has received little attention in the public administration literature. Thecase study provides an excellent tool for incorporating the issue into the classroom.
The second chapter I would like to specifically address is “Chapter 4: Fighting for Equity in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu: Roll the Same.” Written by Meyer, one of the books co-editors, the case study focuses on how people have worked toward social equity in sports. This chapter is particularly timing given Qatar’s hosting of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, though the chapter focuses on Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ). According to the author, “BJJ is a combat sport based around grappling, with a unique history, hierarchy, and culture” (p. 70). In many ways, these characteristics can produce environments of toxic masculinity. The chapter uses the experience of five individuals who created a social equity organization, Roll the Same, within the hyper-masculine sport. What stands out to me as a reader is the discussion of how the organization used the typical mechanisms of communication within the broader BJJ community. While many might chose to methods of communication that distance themselves from those they feel are discriminating against them, Roll the Same wanted to connect with BJJ practitioners and spread the message of social equity within the sport. As such, they followed the norms of the broader community and engaged primarily through Instagram. The chapter also notes that the organization has strived to ensure that they listen to those they are trying to support, something which we can all learn from.
Lessons in Social Equity: A Case Study Book provides everything a professor needs to increase the discussion of social equity into their public administration course. The primary focus of the chapters is the relaying of theory and expertise through the story that students read. To aid in its use in an MPA classroom, many of the case studies include resources such as teaching notes, discussion questions, or classroom exercises. The teaching notes provide faculty with guidance on how the case study can be used effectively, whereas the other resources are focused on how students engage with the material. In all cases, however, the resources provided help faculty incorporate social equity into any public administration course, thus minimizing any argument that an individual may have about the inability to incorporate social equity into their classroom. In sum, this book is an important work to both public administration pedagogy and social equity.
