Back to Search
Start Over
Understanding the 'Degree Awarding Gap' in Geography, Planning, Geology and Environmental Sciences in UK Higher Education through Peer Research
- Source :
-
Journal of Geography in Higher Education . 2023 47(2):227-247. - Publication Year :
- 2023
-
Abstract
- This paper draws on critical race theory to analyse testimonies from students that help explain why minoritised ethnic communities studying geography, planning, geology and environmental sciences in the UK, have a lesser chance of being awarded a 'good' degree (i.e. an upper second- or first-class), in comparison to White British people. There are very low levels of ethnic diversity across these subject areas. We conducted peer research, including student-led semi-structured interviews at one British university over a five-month period (involving 38 participants in total). Our analysis explores the processes of minoritisation owing to cultures of Whiteness. These relate to teaching and learning spaces, off-campus encounters, university societies, student representation/committees, social interactions, part-time employment and caring responsibilities. We conclude with a call for action to reframe and disassemble the 'degree awarding gap' through student and staff co-design of policies and actions that will not only confront, but also subvert exclusionary cultures of Whiteness in its various manifestations across university life.
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 0309-8265 and 1466-1845
- Volume :
- 47
- Issue :
- 2
- Database :
- ERIC
- Journal :
- Journal of Geography in Higher Education
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- EJ1385964
- Document Type :
- Journal Articles<br />Reports - Research
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1080/03098265.2021.2007363