A Strategy for Teaching Sociology and Criminology with Anti-Oppression Perspectives

• In Event: Strategies for Teaching Comparative & Critical Criminology

Abstract

Teaching within the perspectives of critical criminology and social justice, we quickly observed that most students had difficulty understanding social issues within these perspectives. Many were unaware of the depth of inequality, denied its reality completely, or knew about inequality through their lived experiences but struggled to visualize how all forms of oppression are connected (e.g., intersections between systemic racism and capitalism). To facilitate a greater understanding of inequality, Dr. Pugh, in 2022, developed a toolbox that is taught during the first few weeks of the semester and then continuously referred back to during the rest of the semester. This toolbox contains a combination of metaphors (e.g., ripple effect), guiding frameworks (e.g., sociological imagination), relevant theoretical perspectives (e.g., critical race theory), and driving forces of social problems (e.g., the “isms” – neoliberalism, imperialism, capitalism, etc.). Student feedback suggested that the toolbox was effective in grasping complex material such as intersectionality and structural racism. The toolbox has been modified and improved over time as a result of Dr. Becker also utilizing the toolbox in her courses. This presentation will discuss the toolbox, student feedback, and innovative assignments where students make connections between the tools, course material, and their lived experiences.

Authors

• Brandie Pugh, West Virginia University

• Patricia Becker, The College of New Jersey