Mapping American fascist tendencies and pedagogical responsibility in early childhood education

Abstract

This essay highlights the critical nature of the current moment in the US, defining fascism and describing the ways in which fascist tendencies are at work today. I characterize microfascism and the way it precedes and sustains fascist movements, and identify some of the ways microfascisms are present in early childhood education, highlighting the undervaluing of care work, neoliberal trends in education, and cruelties in schools. I draw from critical and revolutionary theories in calling for pedagogies in early childhood education teacher preparation programs that might identify and challenge fascist tendencies, and for a praxis that moves us to respond to the current moment with the urgency it requires of us.