Be(com)ing Critical Scholars: The Emergence of Urban Youth Scholar Identities Through Research and Praxis

• In Event: 15.061 - MTCC Roundtable Session Two
  In Roundtable Session: 15.061-7 - Critical Approaches to Research

Abstract

This phenomenological case study examined the emergence of critical scholar identities amongst five urban youth who participated in a two-year critical research and praxis fellows program.  The program and this research study were grounded on the Social Justice Youth Development theoretical foundation, which included the development of self, social/community, and global awareness leading towards critical consciousness and social action.  This study examined the relationship and evolution of participants’ perceptions of being a scholar and their own internalization and embodiment of becoming a scholar. Findings reveal themes concerning the emergence of scholar identities amongst urban youth and contribute to the growing body of literature in critical youth studies and critical participatory research with historically marginalized urban youth scholars

Authors

• Ayana Allen-Handy, Drexel University

• Shawnna Laureen Thomas-EL, Drexel University