Colorblind on the color line: critical ethnography of racial inequity in a human service organization serving a community of single-mother families at the margins

Abstract

This study takes an in-depth critical ethnographic look at a local nonprofit human service organization, Lavender Refuge, that supports marginalized families. This study explored the communication of staff/volunteers and residential clients that facilitate or inhibit the nonprofit’s aims to create an inclusive community culture. Critical race theory and social identity theory were utilized as theoretical frameworks to better understand the culture of Lavender Refuge’s community. Findings revealed three dominant themes related to issues of racial (in)equity at Lavender Refuge. The desire for positive identities, controlled performances within the community hindering race conscious (Crenshaw, K. (1995). Race, reform, retrenchment: Transformation and legitimation in anti-discrimination law. In K. Crenshaw, N. Gotanda, G. Peller, & K. Thomas (Eds.), Critical race theory: The key writings that formed the movement (pp. 103–126). New Press: Distributed by W.W. Norton & Co.) communication. Further, conversations about race were seen as fostering intergroup competition along racial lines, explaining resistance to race communication. Our research team concludes with practical recommendations, resources, and training in hopes they could change the community culture so racial diversity is embraced and equity fostered.