Mathematics for Social Justice

Mathematics instructors are always looking for ways to engage students in meaningful and authentic tasks that utilize mathematics. At the same time, it is crucial for a democratic society to have a citizenry who can critically discriminate between “fake” and reliable news reports involving numeracy and apply numerical literacy to local and global issues.

This book contains examples of topics linking math and social justice and addresses both goals. There is a broad range of mathematics used, including statistical methods, modeling, calculus, and basic algebra. The range of social issues is also diverse, including racial injustice, mass incarceration, income inequality, and environmental justice. There are lesson plans appropriate in many contexts: service-learning courses, quantitative literacy/reasoning courses, introductory courses, and classes for math majors. What makes this book unique and timely is that the most previous curricula linking math and social justice have been treated from a humanist perspective. This book is written by mathematicians, for mathematics students. Admittedly, it can be intimidating for instructors trained in quantitative methods to venture into the arena of social dilemmas. This volume provides encouragement, support, and a treasure trove of ideas to get you started.

The chapters in this book were originally published as a special issue of the journal, PRIMUS: Problems, Resources, and Issues in Mathematics Undergraduate Studies.

Catherine A. Buell is Associate Professor of Mathematics. She spends her time teaching and learning from her students at Fitchburg State University, USA, and the local prison, as well as exploring the role mathematics plays in a just society. She also enjoys time with friends, the dogs, and family.

Bonnie Shulman is Professor Emerita in the Mathematics department at Bates College, Lewiston, USA. She now lives on a farm in Greene, USA, working with home-schooled youth aged 6–12 in mathematics and science.