Join us for a conversation with Shalini Shankar, professor of anthropology at Northwestern University and author of Beeline: What Spelling Bees Reveal About Generation Z’s New Path to Success.
In her book, Shankar argues that, far from being simply overstressed and overscheduled, Gen Z spelling bee competitors are learning crucial 21st century skills from their high-powered lives, displaying a sophisticated understanding of self-promotion, self-direction, and social mobility. Drawing on original ethnographic research, including interviews with participants, judges, and parents, Shankar examines the outsize impact of immigrant parents and explains why Gen Z kids are on a path to success.
The talk will be followed by a Q&A and book signing. Copies of the book will be available for purchase from the UC San Diego Bookstore. This event is free and open to the public.
This event has been made possible by UC San Diego’s South Asia Initiative.
Contact: Lia Friedman, LGFriedman@ucsd.edu, 858-822-2784
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