Josh Cowen

About the Author

Josh Cowen is a distinguished scholar and author whose work illuminates the intricate intersections of education policy, politics, and power in contemporary America. With a PhD in education and decades of experience as a professor at Michigan State University, Cowen has dedicated his career to dissecting how economic elites shape public institutions through strategic advocacy and funding. His incisive analysis in 'The Privateers: How Billionaires Created a Culture War and Sold School Vouchers' exposes the calculated campaigns behind the voucher movement, revealing how billionaire-backed initiatives have fueled cultural divisions to privatize education. Cowen's research, grounded in rigorous data and historical context, challenges readers to reconsider the forces undermining equitable schooling, making him a vital voice in the national conversation on democracy and public goods.