Involving Humans, or Doing Good Work With Good People: Insights for Qualitative Research in Black Studies Post-2020

Area of Science:

• Sociology of Education
• Critical Race Theory
• Black Studies

Background:

• Post-2020 Canadian academia sees increased recognition of Black scholars and Black Studies.
• This recognition emerges amidst a context of Black death, anti-Black violence, and racial unrest.
• Sylvia Wynter's theories on the "anti-Black ordering" of knowledge are relevant to this context.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the implications of current "recognition" trends for research methodologies in Canadian universities.
• To investigate whether existing methodologies perpetuate the dehumanization of Black people, as theorized by Sylvia Wynter.
• To explore how new discourses of "excellence" and "incorporation" might obscure persistent anti-Black structures.

Main Methods:

• Engaging with Sylvia Wynter's theoretical framework, particularly her concept of "No Humans Involved."
• Critical analysis of the post-2020 Canadian academic climate concerning Black scholars and Black Studies.
• Examining research methodologies for their potential to produce Black people as non-human.

Main Results:

• The current climate of "recognition" in Canadian universities may mask persistent anti-Black ordering within research methodologies.
• Methodologies may continue to "produce Black people as non-human" despite increased visibility.
• Apparent "epiphanies" and new discourses risk becoming strategies to marginalize Black life within the academy.

Conclusions:

• Black research entering the university must challenge and transform existing academic methods.
• The university context often denies Black humanity, necessitating new approaches for Black researchers.
• Moving forward requires insisting on Black humanity and deconstructing dehumanizing methodologies within academia.