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ORCID
https://orcid.org/0009-0005-7839-3312
Date of Graduation
8-2024
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)
Department
Department of Graduate Psychology
Advisor(s)
Elena Savina
Vesna Hart
Renee Staton
Abstract
Antiracism is a complicated and important term with prominent, influential voices claiming that systemic equity and the reconfiguration of white identity are the central solutions to eradicating American racism. Within the profound sociocultural effects of the existing antiracist rhetoric, there is vagueness, conflict, and incoherence. Language serves as a fundamental aspect of human experience, facilitating individual meaning-making and comprehension. Effective communication hinges on the ability to articulate subjective experiences and justifications clearly, a challenge evident in discussions surrounding antiracism. Despite advocating for antiracism as crucial and unending work, scholars recognize significant hurdles, including unclear responsibilities for implementation and entrenched structures of power and privilege rooted in whiteness. This dissertation research will analyze antiracism utilizing a three-tier perspective: a socio-cultural analysis of antiracism ideology, a review of antiracism practices in higher education, and a psychologically informed pedagogy of antiracism. Antiracism rhetoric involves racial identity, politicization, and emotionality. This research integrates frameworks examining communication, emotions, identity, and values to promote better educational practices and policies. By engaging in analysis of the sociocultural understanding, this dissertation involves elevating the useful aspects of the classic narratives, incorporating effective critiques, highlighting underappreciated visions, and arriving at synthesized perspectives that embody a more centralized and perhaps much healthier adaptation of antiracism as it stands.
Recommended Citation
Nesbitt, Rhea E., "Antiracism in higher education: An integrated psychological perspective" (2024). Dissertations, 2020-current. 163.
https://commons.lib.jmu.edu/diss202029/163
Included in
Clinical Psychology Commons, Race and Ethnicity Commons, Scholarship of Teaching and Learning Commons
