The Literacy Myth: Cultural Integration and Social Structure in the Nineteenth Century

by Harvey J. Graff

Harvey Graff's pioneering study presents a new and original interpretation of the place of literacy in nineteenth-century society and culture. Based upon an intensive comparative historical analysis, employing both qualitative and quantitative techniques, and on a wide range of sources, The Literacy Myth reevaluates the role typically assigned to literacy in historical scholarship, cultural understanding, economic development schemes, and social doctrines and ideologies.

Genres: Academic

400 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 1979

Reviews

[Kara Poe Alexander · Rating 5 out of 5]

Graff's book is a remarkable examination into the literacy myth, the idea that education and schooling will lead to success, enlightenment, wealth, and progress. He examines nineteenth century Canada and found that literacy was not the factor in differentiating people’s level of occupation and wealth. Rather, the factors included social ones such as ethnicity, sex, race, age, class origin, as well as migration, work, family structure, and other elements. He offers convincing evidence that challenges the literacy myth.