Coalitional Resistance: Challenging Racialized and Gendered Oppression in Teacher Education

Abstract

In this article, the authors push back against “unnatural invisibility” and stereotypes of Asian American women by introducing a culturally informed coalitional resistance framework. Drawing from elements of Community Cultural Wealth (CCW) and AsianCrit, we use the framework to discuss the evolving microaggressions we have faced in teacher education spaces and how we have survived through them. We examine marginalizing experiences each of us has faced along multiple axes of oppression across our careers, the forms of resistance we could (or chose not to) enact in specific contexts and moments, and how, through coalitional resistance, we are reclaiming our collective right to thrive and be recognized for our contributions as teacher educators. We conclude by offering implications of coalitional resistance for fellow teacher educators of color and those who wish to support them.

How It Feels to Be Asian in U.S. Academic Libraries and Higher Education: A Systematic Review of Challenges and Coping Strategies

“…Han (2014) indicated that writing her counternarrative gave her a "cure" in that it helped her "reveal oppression that is culturally and racially motivated by White hegemony" (p. 140). Hsieh and Nguyen (2021) wanted to "push back against 'unnatural invisibility' and stereotypes of Asian American women" (p. 355). Most articles (n = 9, 64%) employed qualitative research methods.…”

“…Additionally, Asian and Asian American employees might be excluded from important decision making, discounted, undermined, ignored, dismissed, credentials questioned, or viewed as an inadequate leader (Chan et al, 2021;Choi & Lim, 2021;Han, 2014;Hsieh & Nguyen, 2021;E. Kim et al, 2014;F.…”

“…Lee, 2019). If they assert themselves, they might be reminded to "know their place" (Hsieh & Nguyen, 2021) or be penalized (Han, 2014). If they remain quiet, they might get their English language and leadership capability questioned (Han, 2014;E.…”

“…Many of the articles in this review discussed tenure related challenges (Han, 2014;Hsieh & Nguyen, 2021;Huang, 2019;Jang, 2017;Lawrence et al, 2014). Faculty evaluation may not fairly reflect these faculty members' work performance.…”

“…Faculty evaluation may not fairly reflect these faculty members' work performance. For example, Asian and Asian American faculty tend to be overburdened by service or committee-related duties (Hsieh & Nguyen, 2021;E. Kim et al, 2014;Li, 2020) and might be evaluated more harshly (Han, 2014;Huang, 2019).…”