Fostering Youth Sociopolitical Action: The Roles of Critical Reflection, Sociopolitical Efficacy, and Transformative Student Voice

Abstract

Critical pedagogies often prioritize critical thinking and social awareness at the expense of preparing urban youth for social action. Though sociopolitical efficacy is argued to bridge critical reflection and social action, this relationship is undetermined. We argue that critical reflection and sociopolitical efficacy are independent predictors of sociopolitical action. We surveyed 158 high-school students and found that critical reflection and sociopolitical efficacy were positively related to sociopolitical action. Additionally, participation in transformative student voice (TSV) and classroom leadership opportunities positively influenced sociopolitical efficacy. We argue that educators and community organizers should promote leadership development and TSV activities to encourage youth sociopolitical efficacy and action.

Transformative Student Voice for Sociopolitical Development: Developing Youth of Color as Political Actors

“…As Watts and Guessous (2006) stated “people take action when they believe they can make an impact” (p. 63). The literature supports the notion that sociopolitical efficacy positively links to social action (Diemer & Li, 2011; Hipolito‐Delgado et al., 2021; Hope & Jagers, 2014). Taking this idea even further, Poteat et al.…”

“…As Watts and Guessous (2006) stated "people take action when they believe they can make an impact" (p. 63). The literature supports the notion that sociopolitical efficacy positively links to social action (Diemer & Li, 2011;Hipolito-Delgado et al, 2021;Hope & Jagers, 2014). Taking this idea even further, Poteat et al (2020) found a reciprocal relationship between sociopolitical efficacy and action, as sociopolitical efficacy longitudinally predicted action and the action in turn reinforced sociopolitical efficacy in youth who were members of gay-straight alliances in schools.…”

“…(2003) built on notions of critical consciousness (Freire, 2000) and Black identity (Cross, 1995) to argue for a theory of SPD, which is a process by which marginalized communities develop knowledge of self, social equity, and the capacity to impact change. Since then, scholars have argued that core elements of SPD include critical reflection, sociopolitical efficacy, and sociopolitical action (Diemer & Li, 2011; Hipolito‐Delgado et al., 2021; Hope & Jagers, 2014). Though it is important that all three of these dimensions be cultivated in schools to prepare youth of color for civic engagement, sociopolitical action, in particular, is an important goal for transformative student voice approaches.…”

Youth Participatory Action Research as School Counseling Praxis: A Scoping Review

“…Studies tending to students’ academic development ( n = 4) found that school counselors may use YPAR to approach retention issues in mainstream and alternative education (Chou et al, 2015); to assess reading achievement, bolster attendance, and address problematic discipline referral rates (Voight & Velez, 2018); and to support students’ critical thinking (Stickl Haugen et al, 2019) and self-efficacy in STEM (Edirmanasinghe, 2020). Two articles pointed to the use of YPAR to simultaneously promote students’ social/emotional, academic, and/or career (i.e., holistic) development (Hipolito-Delgado et al, 2021, Williams et al, 2020). For example, the school counselor’s use of YPAR to amplify student voice can impact student’s socioemotional and academic development (Hipolito-Delgado et al, 2021).…”

“…Two articles pointed to the use of YPAR to simultaneously promote students' social/emotional, academic, and/or career (i.e., holistic) development (Hipolito-Delgado et al, 2021, Williams et al, 2020. For example, the school counselor's use of YPAR to amplify student voice can impact student's socioemotional and academic development (Hipolito-Delgado et al, 2021). Despite YPAR's potential to foster academic, social/ emotional, and career development, focusing on transformative resistance is also important for school counselors.…”