Moving from a Period of Normal Science to Revolution: Wealth Inequality and Education in America
In The Structure of Scientific Revolutions, Thomas Kuhn discusses how periods of normal science are interrupted by periods of revolutionary science. Kuhn suggests that during periods of normal science researchers identify questions to investigate based on existing knowledge. The insights gained from these analyses are constrained, then, by the limits of the prevailing paradigm. Resulting changes tend to mostly comprise tweaks around the margins, rather than fundamental reconsiderations. Periods of normal science persist until the current is no longer able to solve a growing number of the problems, or when external events provoke a clamor for a different vision, a revolution.
The U.S. financial aid model has been in a period of normal science for far too long. The goal of financial aid has been narrowly framed as only helping young adults pay for college, a low bar that completely ignores its potential to have a positive influence on early education, college completion, and post-college financial health. It’s a model in need of a revolution. Revolutions seldom start, however, without a spark. U.S. policy innovation has been ignited by such sparks in the past.
Lunch will be served, please RSVP.
Sponsored by the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Office and the Office of Student Services.
University of Michigan
School of Social Work
1080 South University Avenue
Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1106
University of Michigan
School of Social Work
1080 South University Avenue
Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1106