Toward Black abolition theory within radical abolition studies

Upending practices, structures, and epistemes of domination

Dados Bibliográficos

ID13017202
AutoresK Turner (0000-0002-6375-2918, Stanford University, autor correspondente), Darion Wallace (0000-0002-9342-566X, Stanford University), Danielle Miles-Langaigne (Film Independent), Essence Deras (Smith College)
Ano2023
Volume18
Fascículo3
Páginas275-288
Data de publicação2023-06-27
Peer ReviewedSim
Open AccessSim
TipoARTICLE
PeriódicoJournal for Multicultural Education (JOURNAL)
Identificadores do periódicoISSN: 2053-535X • E-ISSN: 2053-5368
EditoraEmerald Publishing Limited (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1108/jme-01-2023-0002
OpenAlexW4382282920
IdiomaEN
Citações recebidas11
Referências citadas15

Purpose This study aims to present radical abolition studies, which encourages us to (re)member that the abolition of institutions and systems is incomplete without the abolition of their attendant epistemes of domination. The authors draw on the etymology of the word radical to encourage abolitionist praxis to grab systemic harm at its epistemological roots. Within radical abolition studies, this study presents Black abolition theory, which aims to make explicit a theorization of Blackness and works to abolish the episteme of anti-Blackness. Design/methodology/approach This paper offers Black abolition theory within radical abolition studies to reground abolition in its Black theoretical roots and to interrogate the concept of anti-Blackness and other epistemes of domination in abolitionist study and practice. Using a close reading of W.E.B. Du Bois’ Black Reconstruction , and subsequent books and articles in abolition studies and educational studies that reference it, the authors highlight Du Bois’ original conceptualization of abolitionism as an ultimate refutation of a racial-social order and anti-Blackness. The authors then put Michael Dumas and kihana ross’ theory of BlackCrit into conversation with abolitionist and educational theory to push forward Black abolition theory. Findings Radical abolition studies and its attendant strand of Black abolition theory presented in this paper encourages scholars and practitioners to go beyond the dismantling of current instantiations of systemic harm for Black and other minoritized people – such as the school as it currently operates – and encourages the questioning and dismantling of the epistemes of domination sitting at the foundation of these systems of harm. Originality/value Black abolition theory contextualizes abolition in education by rooting abolitionist educational praxis in Black lineages. More generally, radical abolition studies encourages further research, study and collaboration in partnership with others who have historically participated in the fight against being labeled as subhuman to upend all epistemes of domination

Abolitionism · Conceptualization · Critical race theory · Epistemology · Harm · Linguistics · Political science · Politics · Praxis · Racism · Sociology · Critical and Liberation Pedagogy · Critical Race Theory in Education · Gender Studies · Law · Philosophy · Race, History, and American Society