Can American schools promote cultural cohesion and democracy in today’s socially pluralistic society? In this book, retired educator and Jungian psychologist Robert Mitchell addresses this and other questions, raising red flags regarding America’s dangerous destiny should society fail to preserve a culture of democracy.

According to Mitchell, schools are key to forming citizens. His expanded meaning of civic education rejects the inculcation of facts and rote learning for an interdisciplinary approach to the humanities (literature, art, religion, philosophy, cultural heritage, history) which elevates the “sanctity of the individual” that “lies at the foundation of a democratic culture.”

Mitchell’s argument is built upon Carl Jung’s developmental psychology centered on a child’s “holistic development” of personality and soul, best supported by collaboration between educators, parents, and students that fosters intellect, cultural identity, and democratic character. Dogma and ideology, posits Mitchell, have “distorted the spiritual foundation of the American identity,” skewing the balance between ego and soul while compromising mindfulness and the higher self.

While educators might find value in the heady, jargon-filled discussion offered here, practical aspects are minimal. Following this dense analysis, Mitchell outlines a K-12 cultural curriculum designed to nurture critical thinking and democratic values. His diverse bibliography provides key readings for “archetypal” teachers, noting that “…it is important that they are scholars in cultural studies” who are well versed in the works of Plato, Aristotle, Rousseau, Piaget, Freud, and more. Modern teachers may find this an unrealistic indulgence for the demands in today’s classrooms.

Also, if civic engagement is paramount, as he insists, specific ways the wider school curriculum can provide venues for active civic engagement are needed. Teachers will find few practical ideas for applying democratic student involvement at either the classroom or school-wide level.

This is a scholarly, timely, and inspirational release. However, readers should expect a healthy dose of psychobabble and an imbalance between the lofty and the practical.