Coloniality of power, critical realism and critical consciousness: the three “C” framework

ABSTRACT

Typical pedagogical practices center Whiteness, particularly when teaching about racism and racial justice. This article offers a framework that de-centers the White frame using: coloniality of power, critical realism, critical consciousness. The coloniality of power analyzes the order of social relations and embedded hegemonic structures in the US. Critical realism posits a multi-layered construct of reality encompassing subjugated experiences, illustrating how dominant groups can share these experiences. Critical consciousness explains the need for all individuals to identify mechanisms of oppression that maintain, perpetuate, and sustain the exclusion and subjugation of BIPOC. Together, these three concepts create a foundation highlighting accountability and agency.

KEYWORDS:

• Social work pedagogy
• coloniality
• critical consciousness
• critical realism

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).