The Implicit Biases of the "Well-Meaning": An Analysis of Rhetoric Used in Philanthropic Educational Partnerships

• In Event: 34.060 - Unpacking Philanthropy Networking: Exploring Guanxi, Local Relevance, Segmentation, and Implicit Bias

Abstract

Connecting legal understanding of bias and neoliberal theory, my work considers how and why philanthropy is entering the field of education, the impact that outside actors have on education, and asks what might we need to understand as educators before entering into partnerships with those outside of the field of education? Utilizing the concept of implicit bias, I explore the relationship between people’s beliefs and their actions. I will perform content analysis of the websites of top philanthropic education spenders, speeches made by leaders of philanthropic organizations, articles and books written by education scholars, in an effort to bridge the gap between conversations of racial justice and inequity with the political conversations concerning philanthropic spending and schooling practices.

Author

• Amieris Brenda Lavender, Michigan State University