Decolonizing Sociology: Addressing Latinx as "other" in Sociology Textbooks

• In Event: 20461 - Teaching and Learning Symposium Roundtable Session
  In Refereed Roundtable (90 minute): Table 9: Engaged Pedagogy

Abstract

This study examines how certain primary and introductory sociology textbooks continue to practice colonizing curriculums that portray Latinx individuals as other, and less than. Previous researchers have not adequately examined how Latinx populations are portrayed in sociology textbooks. General or introductory style sociology textbooks either are not very inclusive of Latinx individuals or they do not portray an accurate description of the Latinx population. It is essential that students and educators work towards decolonizing educational systems to create a more just and respectful learning environment. For this session, a sample of sociology textbooks that were uninvitingly sent to faculty in the past 7 years by various book publishers will be presented. Mass media in the form of college textbooks is an increasingly powerful agent of socialization that shapes our understanding of human behavior and racial identity. Textbook publishers, authors, and reviewers act as gatekeepers who create a dominant ideology of what “Latinx” means. By continuing to frame Latinx as "other" in sociology textbooks, Latinx students may feel disconnected, and their identity attacked.

The second part of this session presents ways to reconstruct Latinx identity in the classroom through use of decolonizing texts and concepts that focus on empowerment, self-reflexivity, and critical consciousness. Moving forward, it is essential that students and educators work towards decolonizing educational systems to create a more just and respectful learning environment. The material in this session will help instructors incorporate more inclusive and equitable material on Latinx individuals into their sociology courses. By including more inclusive material, new grounds for discussion can be established in a way that could increase class participation, diversify course material, and promote inclusion of different backgrounds into classroom environments. Adding more inclusive material also shows an effort to recognize the Latinx demographic as a growing student population.

Author

• Heather Rodriguez, Central Connecticut State University