How well-intentioned white male physicists maintain ignorance of inequality and justify inaction

MPA Gender/Diversity Forum - virtual

  • Date: Dec 7, 2022
  • Time: 04:00 PM - 05:00 PM (Local Time Germany)
  • Speaker: Melissa Dancy (Western Michigan Univ.)
  • About the speaker: Dr. Dancy is a principal research associate in the evaluation center at Western Michigan University. She holds a Ph.D. in physics and has been an active member of the physics education research community for more than 25 years. Throughout her career, she has always been drawn to research projects that focus on improving higher education STEM classrooms and working environments by improving teaching and/or addressing inequity. Dr. Dancy has over 70 peer-reviewed or invited publications related to educational transformation, faculty development, and equity. Dr. Dancy also frequently serves as an external evaluator on NSF-funded education-related projects.
  • Room: online only
  • Host: MPA
 How well-intentioned white male physicists maintain ignorance of inequality and justify inaction
Abstract: Inequity in physics remains a problem despite significant effort, care, and material resources dedicated to addressing it. The tendency to focus change efforts on the oppressed while leaving people and structures of power unexamined is likely related to the slow progress. In this talk, I present data from multiple studies considering how those who hold intersecting identities of privilege engage with equity efforts. Findings highlight how well-meaning people of privilege frequently undermine equity by failing to acknowledge even obvious inequity, distancing themselves from both the causes and solutions of inequity, minimizing it when they can not deny or distance, and justifying their own inaction. I end by offering recommendations for both individuals of privilege as well as recommendations for policymakers.

For LINK/meeting ID please see Maria Depner's email.

Notes: To avoid possible interruptions of the talk, when joining the meeting we kindly ask you to please switch off your video and mute your microphone.

Many thanks!

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