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Confronting Whiteness, Power, and Resistance in Higher Education: A Transformative Guide for Equity Seekers

Owen Simmons

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Published in Whiteness Power And Resisting Change In US Higher Education: A Peculiar Institution (Palgrave Studies In Race Inequality And Social Justice In Education)

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In the realm of higher education, the insidious forces of whiteness and power have long cast a shadow over the pursuit of equity and justice. The groundbreaking book "Whiteness, Power, and Resisting Change in U.S. Higher Education" by Dr. Gloria Ladson-Billings and Dr. William Tate IV courageously confronts these pervasive obstacles, offering invaluable insights and strategies for dismantling racial inequality in academia.

Unveiling the Systemic Barriers

Through meticulous research and poignant personal narratives, the book meticulously dissects the intricate web of systemic barriers that perpetuate whiteness and power in higher education. It exposes the deep-rooted legacy of racial discrimination, from the historical exclusion of marginalized communities to the subtle microaggressions that continue to plague campuses today.

Whiteness, Power, and Resisting Change in US Higher Education: A Peculiar Institution (Palgrave Studies in Race, Inequality and Social Justice in Education)

by Paul Hoover

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	619 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	345 pages
Screen Reader	:	Supported

The authors meticulously examine the ways in which whiteness is constructed as the norm and anything that deviates from it is deemed "other." This process of "othering" creates a hierarchy of value, with white perspectives and experiences privileged over those of people of color.

Book Cover Of 'Whiteness, Power, And Resisting Change In U.S. Higher Education' Whiteness Power And Resisting Change In US Higher Education: A Peculiar Institution (Palgrave Studies In Race Inequality And Social Justice In Education)

Resisting Change: The Power of Denial

One of the most formidable challenges in addressing racial inequality is the resistance to change. The book unflinchingly exposes the psychological defenses and institutional mechanisms that protect the status quo. It reveals how individuals and institutions often employ denial, rationalization, and even outright aggression to maintain the existing power structures.

The authors argue that this resistance is not simply a matter of individual prejudice, but rather a deeply embedded cultural phenomenon. It is a consequence of the pervasive nature of white supremacy, which has conditioned society to perceive and value whiteness as superior.

Strategies for Transformation: Dismantling Whiteness and Power

Despite the formidable challenges, "Whiteness, Power, and Resisting Change in U.S. Higher Education" offers hope and inspiration. The authors propose a comprehensive set of strategies for dismantling whiteness and power, and creating a more just and equitable educational system.

These strategies include:

Challenging the dominant narrative of whiteness as the norm
Creating inclusive curricula and pedagogical practices
Recruiting and supporting faculty and students of color
Developing anti-racist policies and practices
Empowering marginalized communities through leadership and decision-making

"Whiteness, Power, and Resisting Change in U.S. Higher Education" is an indispensable resource for anyone committed to creating a just and equitable society. It provides a profound understanding of the systemic barriers that perpetuate racial inequality in academia, while illuminating the path towards meaningful transformation.

By confronting the uncomfortable truths and embracing the strategies outlined in this groundbreaking work, educators, administrators, students, and policymakers can join forces to dismantle the power of whiteness and create a higher education system that truly values diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Free Download the Book

Whiteness, Power, and Resisting Change in US Higher Education: A Peculiar Institution (Palgrave Studies in Race, Inequality and Social Justice in Education)

by Paul Hoover

4.7 out of 5