Review by Choice Review
As limits to governments' ability to positively influence social challenges have become apparent, so has the search for alternative solutions. Few challenges have been more controversial than proposals for more parental choice in education. Minow (Harvard Law School) offers her reflections on the challenges raised by the provision of quasi-public goods financed partially with public funds but distributed without the direct control of government agencies. She considers school choice, welfare, health care, and legal services, but the issue of school choice, particularly with respect to the Establishment Clause, is the heart of her concern. She observes that there has been a long history melding public and private actions in America, but she fears that piecemeal privatization will subvert a commitment to equality, due process, and democracy. Of particular concern to her is that while school choice may foster liberty, it neglects the goals of equality and fairness. Ultimately, she finds acceptance with private choice as long as voucher recipient institutions adopt a proper attitude toward pluralism. Of course, avoiding equally dismal outcomes is what some see as the promise of school choice. This volume is highly normative, and the author's argument more than a bit repetitive. Extensive references but no data. ^BSumming Up: Optional. Comprehensive collections, upper-division undergraduate and up. R. Kelly Fairfield University
Copyright American Library Association, used with permission.
Review by Choice Review
