Acknowledging the Whiteness of Motivation Research: Seeking Cultural Relevance

Abstract

This commentary revisits compelling arguments put forth by the contributors to this special issue on the role of race and ethnicity in academic motivation research. First, an overview of how race and motivation have been positioned in prominent theories of motivation is provided and juxtaposed with those offered in culturally responsive pedagogical approaches championed by multicultural educators. Special emphasis is placed on how teachers' and learners' sociohistorical and cultural contexts might influence motivation. Second, the critical role of identity and membership complexity is explored. Third, suggestions for more culturally attentive research methods are offered. The final section includes research and practice recommendations for supporting the academic motivation of diverse learners. Challenges to theoretical and methodological assumptions about race, ethnicity, and culture are offered throughout, including a call to address the role that racism, power, and privilege have played in perpetuating inequality in motivation research conducted in the United States.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

I would not have been able to write this commentary without the education I received from faculty and colleagues from the Division of Educational Studies at Emory University who broadened and challenged my perspectives on sociohistorical and psychological systems of power and privilege. I am grateful to Professors Jackie Irvine, Vanessa Siddle Walker, Carole Hahn, and Frank Pajares. I thank my current colleagues, Kenneth Tyler and Christia Brown, for their valuable insights on this work. I am fortunate to work with a stellar team of undergraduate and graduate students who, on a daily basis, help me think about how to conduct motivation research in ways more relevant to learners from historically marginalized groups. Special thanks to Isaac Hayes, Abigail Love, John Eric Lingat, and Laura Page, for their comments. Finally, to my mom, Dr. Jody Usher, for her unwavering commitment to helping me (and many others) confront fear and use my voice to promote justice.