"It's Not Just Theory": Toward Theory as Method in Critical Theoretical Research Methods in 21st Century Equitable Education

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 equitable educational 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 21st century equitable educational research.

Sub Unit

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

Chair

• James Joseph "Jim" Scheurich, Indiana University - Indianapolis

Papers

• Cultivating Culturally Situated Theorizing Voice in Qualitative Research: Challenging Imperialistic Curriculum and Training - Kakali Bhattacharya, University of Florida

• Transgressive Decolonial Hermeneutics as a Plurivocal Interpretive Educational Research Praxis - Jairo I. Fúnez-Flores, Texas Tech University

• Thinking With Habitus in the Study of Learner Identities - Garth Stahl, The University of Queensland; Sarah McDonald, University of South Australia

• White Supremacy and the Ontological Architecture of Modernity - James Joseph "Jim" Scheurich, Indiana University - Indianapolis

Discussant

• Cheryl E. Matias, University of Kentucky