Education as a Tool of Power and Subversion: A Critique of The Sellout

Abstract

Modern day education system faces a lot of problems in form of misuse of education, curriculum and institutions for power and personal gains. Misusing education can cause a lot of ethical moral dilemmas. This study analyzes Paul Beatty’s (2015) The Sellout and highlights the moral and ethical dilemmas associated with the misuse of education for personal gains. Works of Michel Foucault (1980), Paulo Freire (1970), Antonio Gramsci (1971), and Martha C. Nussbaum (1970) serve as theoretical perspective for the analysis. Close reading technique is used for the analysis to highlight hidden meanings and themes of the text. The analysis presents that education is misused for power and fame through curriculum and segregated education and controlled administration, resulting in in social, ethical and moral destruction of society and individuals. The study finds that intervention in education can be disastrous for society. It is concluded that a neutral and just environment for the provision of quality education is both the demand and the need of time.