Responsibility...Even in Our Methods: Critical Theories as Methods for Social Justice Research

Session Type: Symposium

Abstract

In educational research theory is conceived as an epistemological stance undergirding empirical data analysis. Moving beyond empiricism’s limited imagination of theory, this symposium approaches theory as a method for doing responsible theoretical research. The panel addresses these questions: How does theory operate as methods? What existing critical theories can be utilized as research methods? What insights do theoretical research, rooted in theoretical research methods, contribute that non-theoretical research often fails to grasp? While some empirical methods get at social justice, this panel focuses on critical theoretical research because it provides new emancipatory counter-ideologies. Therefore, research is a political project not presuming neutrality. This panel seeks to offer new and old ways of engaging theorizing for responsible socially just educational research.

Sub Unit

• Division B - Curriculum Studies / Division B - Section 3: Theories, Methodologies, and Philosophies of Curriculum Studies

Chair

• Michael Peters, Beijing Normal University

Papers

• Meditations on Experience: The Politics and Ethics of "Not Knowing" in Educational Research - Belén Hernando-Lloréns, University of Iowa

• Synthesizing Theoretical, Qualitative, and Quantitative Research: Metasynthesis as a Methodology for Education - Kip Austin Hinton, The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley; Alcione N. Ostorga, University of Texas Rio Grande valley; Christian Ellen Zuniga, University of Texas-Rio Grande Valley

• A Fused Theory of Biopower and Political Vulnerability as a Theoretical Method to Investigate "Difficult Knowledge" - Michalinos Zembylas, The Open University of Cyprus

• Paying Emotional Tolls: Politics, Poststructural Narrative Theory, and Research on Race and Racism Subjects for Emotional Well-Being - Tanetha Grosland, University of South Florida; LaSonja Roberts, Western Michigan University

Discussant

• Cheryl E. Matias, University of Kentucky