"Professor Taysum provides a keen analysis and critical insights into the forces of neo-liberalism and its corrosive impact on democratic life. But she does not stop there; her book goes on to show how schools may be used as powerful counterweights to this troubling trend. This book is global in scope and courageous in its objective to link a powerful strategy to respond to complex conditions that threaten the chances for equity and a decent life for the vast majority of people around the world. Her work is deeply scholarly including perennial and contemporary thinkers to support her analysis of conditions and possible responses. Importantly the concepts that she references from theorists and philosophers are used to support her concrete and innovative agenda for serious change. This book is set in the camp of democratic values, especially as they pertain to the lives of students in primary and secondary schools. Moral and ethical learning as well as character development are high priorities, in and beyond school settings. Professor Taysum wisely connects formal education to the wider world and its institutions. She clearly displays her commitment to social justice and an equitable society on an international scale. She has taken on a monumental task and has delivered a timely and highly constructive book that will be of interest to anyone concerned with the future of a democratic life for this and following generations.”Professor Steven Gross, Professor Emeritus, Educational Leadership, Temple University, USA