Methodologies of Resistance, Research of Care: Research as Healing Practice for/by Women of Color

Session Type: Symposium

Abstract

Resisting traditional Western research methodologies that continue to disregard the social and cultural relations of women of color, this symposium redefines and characterizes methodology as mentoring using Black/endarkened feminist frameworks (Collins, 2000; Dillard, 2006). Care, spirituality, and relationship shift from margin to center in these studies. In line with the AERA Annual Meeting theme, methodology as mentoring for women of color involves the democratic notion of “collective healing” (Dewey, 1916; hooks, 2005) that includes both the female researcher and the women/girl participants caring and being cared for. Thus, methodology is not simply methods used to “study” the participants, but emphasizes the link between women of color’s dedication to sharing our stories and our capacity to care and be healed.

Sub Unit

• Division G - Social Context of Education / Division G - Section 5: Social Context of Research on Schools and Communities

Chair

• Cynthia B. Dillard, University of Georgia

Papers

• Researcher as First Responder: The Methodology of Community and Care for/by Women of Color - Chinwe Linda Okpalaoka, The Ohio State University

• Searching for Culturally Congruent Mentoring: Exploring Sista Circle Methodology as Mentoring for Black Women Teachers - Latoya Johnson, University of North Georgia

• Talking Power: Qualitative Interviews With Chicanas as Collaborative Testimonio in the Service of Mentoring - Aida Hurtado, University of California - Santa Barbara

• Feeding the Soul: Employing Kitchen Table Conversations as Methodology - Kristen Duncan, University of Georgia - Athens

Discussant

• Lisa (Leigh) Patel, Boston College