This Happened in America

Evans, R.W. 2007.  This Happened In America: Harold Rugg and the Censure of Social Studies. North Carolina: Information Age Publishing, Inc.        306 pages   $45.95

Ronald Evans calls for a return to Harold Rugg’s vision of Social Studies as a means for social reconstruction in the book, This Happened in America: Harold Rugg and the Censure of Social Studies.  Evan’s biography of Harold Rugg shows how the social studies curriculum evolved as society changed in America. His theories embodied the ideas of social efficiency espoused by the scientific curriculum, John Dewey’s child-centered curriculum, and finally social reconstruction or the idea that schools can be used to change and improve society.  Rugg’s open opposition against capitalism and his critiques of American society espoused in his textbooks came under the scrutiny of patriotic groups such as the American Legion in the 1930’s.  This Happened in America: Harold Rugg and the Censure of Social Studies may be of interest to social studies educators, historians, and educational reformers and anyone involved in creating the National Social Studies Standards.  It represents the conflict which occurs when society fights to preserve the American way of life which is defined differently by various groups and the idea that America needs to change. This conflict still exists today as the War on Terrorism is being fought at home and abroad to preserve democracy and to “protect our way of life” and the new Presidential administration led by Barrack Obama which rallies under a call for change in America.

The book is a biography of Harold Rugg set in a broader discussion of American society during the Depression. It contains numerous black and white photos and newspaper clippings throughout to illustrate Rugg’s life and times. Each chapter contains subchapters chronicling particular incidents, ends with a conclusion, and has a reference list.  One of the major conclusions that the author draws is that Rugg’s theories regarding the teaching of social studies were heavily influenced by various events that occurred throughout his personal and professional life.

Using a variety of sources including court documents, articles, letters, political cartoons, and dissertations, Evans documents Rugg’s life and controversial court cases. Although other patriotic groups attacked progressive education reformers, the American Legion was noticeably portrayed as Rugg’s primary nemesis throughout the book without much regard to their perspective or their motives for singling him out.  However, Evans does not present Rugg as a lone martyr battling an all powerful bully. Rugg’s equally powerful supporters such as The American Civil Liberties Union are also mentioned. Rugg’s actions which may have provoked the attacks by patriotic groups and some businesses are also evaluated.