Recentering Action in Critical Consciousness

Abstract

Scholarship on critical consciousness frames how people who are more marginalized deeply analyze, feel empowered to change, and take collective action to redress perceived inequities. These three dimensions correspond to critical reflection, motivation, and action, respectively. In this article, we aim to recenter action in scholarship on critical consciousness, given the disproportionate attention that has been paid to reflection. To achieve this aim, we review empirical associations between critical action and positive developmental consequences among more marginalized youth, highlight promising practices to foster critical action, and identify questions and key areas for inquiry. We hope this article motivates a recentering of critical action in scholarship, policy, and practice on critical consciousness.

Toward an understanding of structural racism: Implications for criminal justice

“…This insight was central to the theorizing of Paulo Freire, who argued that education designed to foster a critical analysis of societal inequity is essential for members of subordinated groups to reclaim their full humanity and resist their oppression (44). More recent empirical work has demonstrated the benefits of developing an understanding of structural racism among marginalized youth, finding it to be associated with positive individual outcomes [e.g., improved mental health, greater educational achievement and engagement (45)] as well as increased civic engagement (16).…”

Advancing developmental intergroup perspectives on social class

“…Along with a robust body of scholarship highlighting the importance of economic security for children's health and well-being, researchers are beginning to examine how children and adolescents think and feel about their own and others' economic circumstances or social class position (Ruck et al, 2019). Reflecting diverse theoretical traditions, recent studies have, for example, investigated social class identity (Destin, 2019), stereotypes about the rich and poor (Sigelman, 2012), moral concerns for distributive justice (Elenbaas et al, 2020), and action for community and social change (Diemer et al, 2020). To further advance and motivate developmental intergroup perspectives on social class, in this article, we (1) define social class, (2) evaluate whether evidence about social class aligns with predictions from developmental intergroup theory (DIT) and social identity development theory (SIDT), (3) demonstrate how complementary insights from these perspectives can be integrated to advance research on social class, and ( 4) highlight what is unique about the study of social class from a developmental intergroup perspective.…”

Raising White Resisters: Studying the Development of Anti-Racist White Children and Youth

“…youth (Diemer et al, 2020;Tyler et al, 2020). Diemer and colleagues (2020) suggest that, for those with privileged identities, critical reflection (e.g., similar to recognizing structural inequality and understanding White privilege in our model) is a necessary precursor to engaging in critical action (e.g., collective action in our model).…”

“…Critical Consciousness. Critical consciousness includes the processes of critical reflection (i.e., awareness of historical and contemporary oppression and inequality), critical motivation (i.e., a commitment to address inequality), and critical action (i.e., action that challenges inequality; Heberle et al, 2020;Diemer et al, 2020). Although it has primarily been examined at the individual level, critical consciousness also operates at the contextual level "where it reflects the values, culture, and norms" of children's home and school context (Heberle et al, 2020, p. 544).…”

“…First, researchers should focus on the development (or precursors) of critical consciousness in childhood. Second, researchers should continue to probe what the processes of critical reflection, motivation, and action look like for White youth (see Diemer et al, 2020). Supporting White children and youth's understanding of social inequality is crucial for moving them towards a commitment to interpersonal and collective anti-racism action.…”