Systemic Barriers to French Immersion in New Brunswick
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Date
2022-06-28
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Abstract
Abstract: French Immersion is a popular program in New Brunswick; however, a growing body of research warns that it might contribute to inequities in public education. My experiences as an elementary French immersion teacher have prompted me to question the barriers to accessing and succeeding in the second language program. I begin by describing the history of FI in Canadian schools before identifying the systemic barriers that limit participation in the program. I will then explain how Bourdieu and Passeron’s theory of social reproduction might help us to recognize the underlying social forces that predetermine one’s likelihood of access and success in the popular program. Meaningful change requires a paradigm shift in thinking about what constitutes a good candidate for FI.
Keywords: French Immersion, Bourdieu, Equity