Personal Epistemology and Black Culture: Understanding Individual Beliefs About Knowledge Through Hip-Hop

• In Event: 25.043 - "We Gon' Be Alright": Hip-Hop-Based Education, Knowledge, and Freedom

Abstract

Beliefs about knowledge and knowing (i.e., personal epistemology) influence how people construct and obtain knowledge (Hofer & Pintrich, 1998). Theories in personal epistemology have been traditionally investigated in majority White, Western cultures without investigation into cultural influences (Hofer, 2008). In the United States, Black Americans experience unique environmental circumstances, and have used hip-hop as a platform to discuss these circumstances (Prier & Beachum, 2009). The purpose of this study is to investigate hip-hop in the lives and personal epistemology of Black men. Using narrative inquiry and grounded theory analysis, we analyzed rap lyrics and semi-structured interview of one Black male. Five themes reflecting identity, conflict, knowledge, silence, and collective beliefs emerged. Implications for education and research will be discussed.

Authors

• Ashley Payne, The University of Memphis

• Denise Lynne Winsor, The University of Memphis