Can subaltern professors speak?: examining micro-aggressions and lack of inclusion in the academy
ISSN: 1443-9883
Article publication date: 19 March 2018
Issue publication date: 10 May 2018
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to highlight various ways in which micro-aggressions and other forms of institutional oppression have affected subaltern professors and students in the academy.
Design/methodology/approach
This qualitative case study draws from testimonios collected from fall 2010 to spring 2016. Six testimonios are incorporated in the study, and they stem from a various set of data. These testimonios show patterns across data set regarding systemic oppression subaltern that professors have experienced in the academy.
Findings
As the findings of this study show, subaltern professors face intersecting forms of discrimination – often race, language, accent, gender, and class based – in predominantly white institutions. Their testimonios unravel the complexity of the professional, academic, and personal lives of these professors highlighting their professional achievements and successes. Their testimonios demonstrate at the same time the ways in which various forms of oppression might have limited their life chances and opportunities.
Research limitations/implications
Suggestions are made as to how social justice educators and policy makers can collectively challenge and eradicate these social wrongs.
Originality/value
This paper is an original take on both micro-aggressions and institutional oppression affecting subaltern professors and students.
Keywords
Citation
Orelus, P.W. (2018), "Can subaltern professors speak?: examining micro-aggressions and lack of inclusion in the academy", Qualitative Research Journal, Vol. 18 No. 2, pp. 169-179. https://doi.org/10.1108/QRJ-D-17-00057
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2018, Emerald Publishing Limited