Theoretical and philosophical perspectives on race and racism in education

Abstract

Among topics in educational theory and philosophy, race and racism have been extensively developed in recent years. Despite public contestation about the continued relevance of race, most scholars in educational philosophy and theory regard a deepening understanding of race and racism as critical to enhancing equity in the future. This review considers how race and racism have been conceptualized and theorized within educational research to benefit youth and society. First, it gives a global picture about how race has been and is conceived in educational and other social theory. It links scholarship on race and racism to important global phenomena related to white supremacy, imperialism and colonialism, and multiculturalism. Then it considers contemporary developments in the field for understanding and conceptualizing race. In the course, it is demonstrated how definitions and conceptions change and shift over time and across locations.