Playing the Game Just Enough: How Racially Minoritized Faculty Who Advance Equity Conceptualize Success in the Neoliberal Academy

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Bibliographic Details
Title: Playing the Game Just Enough: How Racially Minoritized Faculty Who Advance Equity Conceptualize Success in the Neoliberal Academy
Language: English
Authors: Wright-Mair, Raquel (ORCID 0000-0001-6744-371X), Museus, Samuel D. (ORCID 0000-0002-0507-301X)
Source: Journal of Diversity in Higher Education. Feb 2023 16(1):109-119.
Availability: American Psychological Association. Journals Department, 750 First Street NE, Washington, DC 20002. Tel: 800-374-2721; Tel: 202-336-5510; Fax: 202-336-5502; e-mail: order@apa.org; Web site: http://www.apa.org
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 11
Publication Date: 2023
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education
Postsecondary Education
Descriptors: College Faculty, Minority Group Teachers, Neoliberalism, Resistance (Psychology), Equal Education, Predominantly White Institutions, Advocacy, Teacher Attitudes, Success
DOI: 10.1037/dhe0000304
ISSN: 1938-8926
1938-8934
Abstract: The increasing neoliberalization of institutions of higher education poses several challenges for racially minoritized faculty who advocate equity. Unfortunately, explorations of how neoliberalism shapes the realities of these faculty are sparse. This study analyzes some of the ways in which neoliberal systems and the resistance of racially minoritized faculty advocating equity conceptualize their own success in the academy. In-depth, face-to-face, individual interviews were conducted with 12 racially minoritized faculty members advocating equity at predominantly white institutions (PWIs) in the Rocky Mountain region. Findings reveal that these faculty conceptualize success as meeting neoliberal expectations defined by quantifiable metrics of productivity, fulfilling commitments to having a positive impact, and cultivating agency to express voice for positive change. Findings also illuminate how participants found themselves in precarious situations where they feel an overwhelming pressure to balance the neoliberal demands of the academy and their desire to make a broader and more meaningful impact. Implications for research and practice outline how stakeholders within institutions of higher education can support racially minoritized faculty members' success in the academy.
Abstractor: As Provided
Entry Date: 2023
Accession Number: EJ1369030
Database: ERIC
Description
Abstract:The increasing neoliberalization of institutions of higher education poses several challenges for racially minoritized faculty who advocate equity. Unfortunately, explorations of how neoliberalism shapes the realities of these faculty are sparse. This study analyzes some of the ways in which neoliberal systems and the resistance of racially minoritized faculty advocating equity conceptualize their own success in the academy. In-depth, face-to-face, individual interviews were conducted with 12 racially minoritized faculty members advocating equity at predominantly white institutions (PWIs) in the Rocky Mountain region. Findings reveal that these faculty conceptualize success as meeting neoliberal expectations defined by quantifiable metrics of productivity, fulfilling commitments to having a positive impact, and cultivating agency to express voice for positive change. Findings also illuminate how participants found themselves in precarious situations where they feel an overwhelming pressure to balance the neoliberal demands of the academy and their desire to make a broader and more meaningful impact. Implications for research and practice outline how stakeholders within institutions of higher education can support racially minoritized faculty members' success in the academy.
ISSN:1938-8926
1938-8934
DOI:10.1037/dhe0000304