When I Cry, You Cry--We Cry Together: The Intersectional Nature of Subalternity in Higher Education

Authors

  • Jerry Parker Southeastern Louisiana University, USA
  • Elizabeth Robertson-Hornsby Southern University at New Orleans, USA
  • Natalie E. Keefer University of Louisiana Lafayette, USA
  • Yazmyn C. Smith Southeastern Louisiana University, USA
  • Taneshia D. Drake Southeastern Louisiana University, USA

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.32674/qm8q6b47

Keywords:

Higher education, Intersectionality, Subalternity, Diversity, Marginalization

Abstract

In 2022, Parker et al. published a special issue in Research Issues in Contemporary Education with the intention of curating manuscripts addressing marginalization in higher education. Within the framework of Subalternity/Subaltern Studies, the current study employs a Postcolonial Critical Discourse Analysis methodology to investigate the intersectional nature of the 11 included manuscripts, thereby advancing the special issue. Findings highlight recurring themes including individual experiences, the need for theory to inform practice, and a focus on classroom dynamics. Additionally, within each manuscript numerous key terms are referred to relating to diversity, racism, and Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Last, from the findings, Black Women are prominently identified as subaltern within higher education and victims of the power dynamics at play.

Author Biographies

  • Jerry Parker, Southeastern Louisiana University, USA

    JERRY L. PARKER, EdD, is an instructor of French, Spanish, and World Language Education at Southeastern Louisiana University. His research interests include Curriculum, Instruction, Leadership, and Policy in World Language Education and Higher Education Administration. Email: jerrylparker2@gmail.com

  • Elizabeth Robertson-Hornsby, Southern University at New Orleans, USA

    ELIZABETH ROBERTSON-HORNSBY, PhD, is an independent scholar and adjunct professor at Southern University at New Orleans. Her research focuses on the intersection of communication, media, technology, and culture. Email: ehornsby@suno.edu

  • Natalie E. Keefer, University of Louisiana Lafayette, USA

    NATALIE E. KEEFER, PhD, is an Associate Professor of Social Studies Education and Co-Director of the Louisiana Center for Research and Education on Languages and Literacies (LA CREoLL) at the University of Louisiana Lafayette. Dr. Keefer’s research interests include educational anthropology, discourse analysis, social studies pedagogy in French immersion and multilingual contexts, citizenship education, and human rights education. Email: natalie.keefer@louisiana.edu

  • Yazmyn C. Smith, Southeastern Louisiana University, USA

    YAZMYN C. SMITH, PhD Candidate, is the Director of Compliance and an instructor of Health Studies at Southeastern Louisiana University. She is currently completing a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership and Research (Higher Education) at Louisiana State University. Her research interests include education law and policy, underrepresented student motivation and success, and women of color in academia. Email: yazmyn.smith@southeastern.edu

  • Taneshia D. Drake, Southeastern Louisiana University, USA

    TANESHIA D. DRAKE, EdD, is a Freshmen Success instructor and Senior Academic Advisor in the College of Honors and Excellence at Southeastern Louisiana University. Her research interests include First-year experience programming, intersectionality, and digital dependency. Email: taneshia.drake@southeastern.edu

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Published

2024-09-22

Issue

Vol. 8 No. SI(1) (2024): Journal of Underrepresented & Minority Progress Special Issue on Intersectionality: From Theory to Practice

Section

Special Issue on Intersectionality: From Theory to Practice