Historical Amnesia: Public Administration and the Second Founding
Abstract
This study critically examines the marginalization of the Second Founding period (1865–1877) in public administration scholarship, revealing a persistent historical amnesia that obscures its foundational impact on governance and social equity. By analyzing 67 articles and book chapters across leading public administration journals and handbooks, the study identifies key gaps in the literature, such as the limited engagement with the Reconstruction Amendments and the neglect of key organizations and figures like the Freedmen’s Bureau and Freedom Lawmakers. The findings suggest that acknowledging the Second Founding’s contributions can deepen the field’s commitment to social equity and reshape its understanding of historical narratives.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Public Policy and Administration Research
Accounting and Organizational Management
Community and Sustainable Development
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Journal of Social Equity and Public Administration
- Volume
- 4
- Issue
- 1
- Pages
- 20–37
- Publication date
- 1 January 2026
- Language
- EN