Social Justice Theorizing of Architectures of Home

• In Event: Unpacking “Home”: Confronting Racism and Other Oppressions in Early Childhood Contexts

Abstract

This presentation delves into the intricate entanglements of realms of home, structures, migration, and belonging through a social justice lens, centering the experiences of families with young children who have journeyed to Aotearoa New Zealand. Inspired by their narratives, it embarks on a conceptual exploration of their 'architectures of home' and offers a critical analysis of how these concepts are intertwined with systemic racial injustice in the context of education.

The study goes beyond the conventional understanding of home as physical shelter, recognizing the complex interplay of tangible and intangible elements that shape the lived experiences of marginalized communities. By engaging deeply with the narratives of immigrant families, the presentation unravels the inequalities, homelessness, and struggles for belonging that they face within educational systems. It sheds light on the challenges they encounter due to racial biases and discriminatory practices, perpetuating social injustices within the very structures meant to provide equal opportunities for all.

The notion of home is approached through the lenses of phenomenology and existentialism, not as abstract philosophical concepts, but as tools to analyze the real-world implications of home on marginalized communities. Phenomenology helps to uncover the layers of meaning that individuals ascribe to their physical surroundings, exposing how racial inequalities impact their access to safe and nurturing spaces. Existentialism provides valuable insights into the existential anxieties and aspirations experienced by marginalized individuals in their pursuit of a meaningful existence within oppressive systems.

Building upon poststructuralist theories, the presentation critically examines the construction of space and power dynamics, unveiling the ways in which systemic racism influences the conceptualization of home for marginalized communities. This analysis challenges conventional notions of architecture by emphasizing how the built environment can be both a site of resistance and a perpetuator of racial injustice.

Adopting a posthumanist perspective, the presentation underscores the interconnectedness between human and non-human entities, reflecting on how systemic racism is embedded in our societies and institutions. It reimagines the concept of home to embrace the diversity of experiences and identities, calling for a collective responsibility to dismantle oppressive structures and reconstruct educational possibilities that prioritize social justice and inclusivity.

This multidimensional exploration of architectures of home provokes thought and reflection, inspiring readers to critically examine their own roles in perpetuating or challenging racial injustice within educational spaces. By charting the complex interplay of race, belonging, and educational opportunities, the presentation aims to be a call to action for individuals, policymakers, and educators to actively dismantle racial injustice, construct equitable educational possibilities, and create nurturing and empowering homes for all.

Author

• Marek Tesar, University of Melbourne