Reconstructionism

Reconstructionism is a broad label applied in several disciplines to describe efforts to reconstruct or reform a tradition, system, or body of knowledge in response to contemporary conditions. It is not a single doctrine but a family of approaches that share an emphasis on critical revision, adaptation, and renewal rather than preservation of established forms.

In Judaism, Reconstructionist Judaism is a modern movement founded in the early 20th century by Mordecai Kaplan. It treats Judaism as an evolving religious civilization rather than a fixed set of beliefs. It emphasizes democratic decision making in congregations, inclusive liturgy, cultural expression, and engagement with social justice and pluralism while viewing traditional practices as evolving rites rather than eternal mandates.

In education, Reconstructionism refers to a mid-20th century stream associated with figures such as George Counts, who argued that schooling should actively contribute to social reform rather than merely transmit knowledge. Reconstructionists urged curricula and teaching practices oriented toward civic engagement and systemic change. The approach has influenced debates about the purpose of schooling and has faced criticism for perceived ideological direction or political emphasis.

The term also appears in broader academic use to describe efforts to reconstruct past ideas, languages, or cultures from sources, and more generally as a methodological stance in the humanities and social sciences. Across contexts, Reconstructionism denotes applying critical revision to inherited frameworks in order to align them with contemporary aims rather than simply conserving established forms.