44.070 - Interrogating Whiteness in Mathematics Education

Session Type: Symposium

Abstract

Mainstream mathematics education research has mostly ignored the role of mathematics education in perpetuating racial disparities in education. At the same time critical research and theorizing does not subject mathematics to the same level of critique that other subject areas have and do receive. Here we explore both conceptually and empirically connections between Whiteness and mathematics education. We outline the areas of overlap between mathematics and Whiteness and how White benevolence circumvents equity efforts. Additionally we analyze the effects of Whiteness in mathematics teacher preparation. We demonstrate the need for mathematics education to confront Whiteness in order to make greater progress towards equitable education.

Sub Unit

• SIG-Research in Mathematics Education

Chair

• Trevor Warburton, Jordan School District

Papers

• Whiteness and Mathematics: Parallels in Perceived Neutrality - Dan Battey, Rutgers University; Luis Antonio Leyva, Vanderbilt University

• The Overlapping Discourses of Mathematics and Whiteness: Pushing Social Justice out of Mathematics - Trevor Warburton, Jordan School District

• Equity Discourse in Mathematics Education as an Exercise in White Benevolence - Erika C. Bullock, University of Wisconsin - Madison

• Gendering Whiteness in Mathematics Education - Maisie L. Gholson, University of Michigan - Ann Arbor

Discussant

• Danny B. Martin, University of Illinois at Chicago