Unlocking the Power of Antiracist Moral Education: A Both/And Approach
In the realm of antiracist education, a groundbreaking research article titled Change the People or Change the Policy? On the Moral Education of Antiracists offers a transformative perspective. The authors, Alex Madva, Daniel Kelly, and Michael Brownstein, argue for a "both/and" approach to antiracist moral education, emphasizing the symbiotic relationship between individuals and social structures.
The "Both/And" Approach
Traditionally, debates on racial justice have been polarized between two views: individualism, which focuses on changing individual attitudes and beliefs, and structuralism, which emphasizes changing unjust social systems. This research challenges the "either/or" mentality, advocating instead for a hybrid approach that recognizes the interdependencies between individuals and structures.
Structure-Facing Virtue
The authors introduce the concept of "structure-facing virtue," which encourages individuals to understand and respond to the social structures that perpetuate racial injustice. This involves cultivating virtues that help individuals recognize and act upon the influences of these structures, fostering a more comprehensive understanding of racial dynamics.
Practical Implications for Practitioners
For practitioners looking to enhance their antiracist efforts, this research provides valuable insights:
- Embrace a Comprehensive View: Recognize the importance of both individual transformation and structural change. Educate students and colleagues about how social structures influence racial ideas and vice versa.
- Focus on Structure-Facing Virtue: Develop educational programs that teach individuals to identify and challenge unjust structures, encouraging proactive engagement with policies and systems.
- Utilize Empirical Evidence: Ground your antiracist efforts in recent empirical developments in moral psychology to ensure effective and impactful education.
Encouraging Further Research
This research invites practitioners to explore further how moral education can be reoriented to address both individual and structural aspects of racial injustice. By doing so, educators can play a pivotal role in the fight for racial justice, contributing to meaningful social change.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Change the People or Change the Policy? On the Moral Education of Antiracists.
