Who Cares? The Ethic of Care and Black Boys in School

• In Event: Black Mask-ulinity: An Emerging Framework for Black Masculine Caring

Abstract

Black males are arguably, the most vulnerable population in schools. This chapter discusses the impact of teacher care on the education of Black males. First, we will examine the nexus of race, gender, and class that many Black male students experience, followed by a review of the literature on the ethic of care. The effect of teacher perceptions, expectations, and student-teacher relationships on academic performance of Black male students is also explored to ascertain the influence of relationships on the ethic of care. We then identify successful caring strategies and models that have been used by teachers in schools and classrooms to engage Black male students. Finally we suggest implications for research and practice based on our review of the literature.

Authors

• James Earl Davis, Temple University

• Julia Camille Ransom, Temple University