Argues for a Foucauldean position on the self to extend critical theory. Discusses several philosophical accounts of the self, including the work of such philosophers as Descartes, Hume, Locke, Rousseau, Schopenhauer, Wittgenstein, and Nietzsche. Concludes that Foucault's philosophy provides a powerful critical conception of the self for critical…

Develops the analytical framework in which inscription (i.e., grades) and actor network are the central points. Exemplifies this framework in a case study of grades and grading practices. Shows how the framework can be used to provide constructive poststructuralist analyses and how the efforts of critical and liberation pedagogies are undercut by…

Connects taken-for-granted activities to the micropolitics of differentiation in institutions such as schools. This is done by employing theoretical traditions taken from cultural studies of science and from philosophies not often found within the science education community. Analyzes the mechanisms through which grading works as a technology of…