Taking Care of "Our" Village: An Exploration of Critical Cultural Care Ethics for African American Students

• In Event: Healing Mind, Body, and Soul: Intersectional Research on Mental Health and Wellness

Abstract

This study investigates how African American students and teachers interpret and demonstrate concepts of care. Within school climate research, there is a need to explore the how concepts of care manifest in culturally nuanced ways, specifically with African American students and teachers. In comparison to similar studies, existing research often focus on cultural competence in relation to White, suburban teachers and low-income or racially diverse students. Here, the cultural aims of these existing studies fail to extend beyond addressing implicit bias and restructuring deficit-based thinking. This study explores a 100% African American school’s learning environment to identify care dispositions within racial groups. Findings of this study are imperative for identifying ways African American students and teachers interpret and demonstrate care.

Authors

• Greg Wiggan, University of North Carolina - Charlotte

• Marcia J. Watson-Vandiver, Towson University