Exploring Bias in Educators' Perceptions of Students' Engagement With Climate Change

• In Event: Sheraton Roundtable Session One
  In Roundtable Session: Sociology of Education SIG Roundtables: From Micro to Macro (Table 18)

Abstract

Although BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and people of color) communities are more concerned about climate change, the global youth climate justice movement is disproportionally White. In this study we focus on the role of teachers and schools in shaping climate activism. Specifically, we explore educators’ perceptions of students’ engagement with climate change. Using survey data from New York City (n=1,358) we find that most educators do not perceive their students as engaged with climate change. Multivariate analyses reveal that disparities in educators’ perceptions favored White students and students from advantaged background over others. In addition, we find evidence of variation across levels of education and educators’ attitudes. We discuss the implications of our findings for advancing equity through climate change education.

Authors

• Oren Pizmony-Levy, Teachers College, Columbia University
  Presenting Author

• Ann Rivet, Teachers College, Columbia University
  Presenting Author