Mathematics curriculum as a vehicle for democracy and social justice

Mathematics has for too long been considered a neutral subject and the teaching of mathematics apolitical. Yet, mathematics is a powerful tool for understanding social life and the inequities therein. Further, the valued language of mathematics can be used for advocacy towards a more socially just society. Mathematics curriculum, therefore, has the potential to strengthen our democracy and propel society towards social justice. The application of mathematical content to social issues can inspire students as they connect mathematics to their world. This connection can help us move beyond the teaching of skills and concepts and towards actively engaging students in the work of democracy itself. In this paper I explore the ways in which mathematics curriculum can be used as a vehicle for democracy and social justice. I propose that mathematics can be used to engage in critical debate about the issues that affect society and to advocate for change actively and emphatically. Examples of how mathematical content can contribute towards these aims will be included. There has been fierce resistance recently to embedding social issues in mathematics curriculum and this resistance will also be addressed.