Critical race life course perspective theory: a framework for understanding racism over the life course

Abstract

In this article, Raygine DiAquoi examines the conversations Black families have with their sons to prepare them for racial bias and discrimination. Over the course of a year, DiAquoi conducted a qualitative exploration of the content of ‘the talk,’ as this conversation has come to be known, that 17 families have with their sons about racism. An analysis of photo elicitation and standard interview data reveals a new framework for understanding the way that racism manifests over the life course of an individual: Critical Race Life Course Perspective.

Keywords:

• Race
• racial socialization
• preparation for bias
• preparation for discrimination
• critical race theory
• life course perspective
• critical race life course perspective

Notes

1. Black and African American are used interchangeably through out the article.

2. After Trayvon Martin’s death, gun practice targets in the shape of a hoodie sold out on the Internet (Coates, 2012).

3. See Gee, Walsemann, and Brandolo (2012).

4. See Raab (1985).