Children of a Troubled Time

In Children of a Troubled Time, sociologist Margaret A. Hagerman presents a child’s perspective on the ongoing culture wars in American schools, focusing on the issues of race and democracy during the Trump presidency. Through interviews with nearly fifty children aged ten to thirteen from contrasting political environments in Mississippi and Massachusetts, she reveals their thoughts on racism and societal divisions. The book highlights how these young voices navigate a politically charged landscape and emphasizes the need for effective interventions to foster understanding and solidarity in a multi-racial democracy. In doing so, Hagerman raises important questions about the future of American society as shaped by its youth.