Critiques of unschooling and the self-directed education movement that are based on thinking of them as a white and wealthy thing are really a distraction from a systematic failure to acknowledge and deal with the power structures of schooling and the systems it feeds. 1/

Yes, there are white and economically privileged sectors of this movement who don't connect self-direction with justice and liberation struggles, or that are stuck in a capitalistic and racist mindset of competition and seek to create advantages for their children. 2/

But the relevant political contradiction is not between the meaning and disruptive potential of the self-directed education movement and the existence of these sectors, but between the ideals of those who seek liberation but fail to address the power structures of schooling. 3/

So, in response to these critiques, the answer should be: Okay yes, but what are we going to do about school? 4/

And any meaningful subsequent reply should not be just about inclusion or just about the curriculum or methods of schooling, but about granting real power, a real say and real resources to the children, families and communities educational systems are meant to benefit. 5/

In schooling as in larger systems or structures, meaningful answers should be about granting real power, real autonomy and real resources to oppressed populations. 6/

Thinking of this subject, I don't think anyone could read Ivan Illich and not think of deschooling as a profoundly anti-capitalistic position. 7/