Working Towards Justice: Critical Next Steps in Identity Studies in Science Education

Abstract

In this concluding Chapter, we build upon the key insights presented across this text, along with our own work, to make sense of the possibilities the field of identity studies in science education holds towards promoting a more just world. Drawing upon this body of work, and our own, we argue that the imperative to the present and future of identity studies is a focus on the ethical and political dimensions of identity work. In short, we contend that identity studies need to be justice-oriented projects. Using this as a backdrop, we problematize and consider how identity studies need to consider: (1) whose justice, vis-à-vis intersectional oppressions borne by particular bodies, are centered; (2) the relationalities between trajectories of identities and trajectories of (in)justice, and; (3) the relationalities between disrupting dominant science discourses and narratives and identity work. Then, using a rightful presence framework, which calls attention to the ethical and political struggles of identity work, we outline new directions for the field to consider in efforts to expand the study of identities as a justice-oriented project. We show how the Chapters in this text offer clear guidance on these next steps, as well as offer questions for further consideration.