Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

Department

Social Justice and Community Engagement

Faculty/School

Faculty of Arts

First Advisor

Jennifer Root

Advisor Role

Supervisor

Abstract

Theodore Allen posits that the white working class plays a pivotal role in anti-racist and anti-capitalist movements. The capitalist system, he argues, sustains itself by fostering an identification with whiteness among the white working class, which impedes alliances across racial lines and perpetuates ignorance regarding capitalism's limitations. This qualitative study seeks to explore the potential for disrupting white supremacist ideologies among white working-class individuals through heightened awareness of whiteness. Grounded in Critical Race Theory (CRT) and Critical whiteness Studies (CwS), the research aims to expose these ideologies by fostering critical reflection and anti-racist behaviours. The study employs a comparative approach to address the question: "How does heightened awareness of whiteness affect white supremacist ideologies among white working-class individuals in Western BC, Canada?" The methodology includes circle table conversations, educational activities, and preand post-surveys to gauge shifts in ideologies. By analyzing the intersections of whiteness and class, this research aims to contribute to anti-racist efforts by promoting understanding and solidarity within white working-class communities. The findings will address a gap in the literature on race and class dynamics, providing insights into how whiteness operates and its implications for perpetuating racial inequalities. Ultimately, the research aspires to disrupt the entrenched structures of whiteness, fostering a path towards collective healing and social equity.

Convocation Year

2024

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