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Systematic Review of Theoretical Perspectives Guiding the Study of Race and Racism in Higher Education Journals

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Abstract

Our study provides a review of theories that were used to study race and racism between 2010 and 2019 in higher education. We conducted a content analysis to identify concepts, statements and models used in higher education studies focused on race and racism in the three most highly read United States higher education journals. We also identified salient characteristics of studies focused on race and racism that applied critical race theory (CRT) and other frequently used theories and frameworks. Across the 172 reviewed studies, over 130 concepts, statements and models were identified that can be taken up by scholars and equity-minded higher education practitioners. Findings also offer direct implications and suggestions for future research focused on race and racism.

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Notes

  1. Although we used several terms in our search, the term Latinx is used throughout the remainder of this article to encompass a broad and inclusive spectrum of identities related to individuals of Latin American origin. The use of Latinx is intended to acknowledge and respect the diversity of terms and expressions embraced by this community. While Latinx is utilized as a gender-neutral alternative, we recognize the language and cultural complexities associated with the term (Salinas, 2020).

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  1. Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon, 104 Joyce Collin Furman Hall, 200 SW 15Th Street, Corvallis, OR, 97331-3502, USA

    Gloria Crisp,  Luis Alcázar, Jeff Ryan Sherman, Joseph Schaffer-Enomoto & Natalie Rooney

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Contributions

Gloria Crisp had the idea for the article. Data collection (e.g., identification of articles) was performed by Gloria Crisp (lead), Luis Alcázar, Jeff Ryan Sherman, and Joseph Schaffer-Enomoto. The content analysis was performed by Gloria Crisp (lead), Luis Alcázar, Jeff Ryan Sherman, and Joseph Schaffer-Enomoto. Natalie Rooney served as the lead reviewer and editor for the paper. All authors contributed to the development of the first draft as well as subsequent versions of the manuscript. All authors read and approved the manuscript before it was submitted.

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Correspondence to Gloria Crisp.

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Crisp, G., Luis Alcázar, Sherman, J.R. et al. Systematic Review of Theoretical Perspectives Guiding the Study of Race and Racism in Higher Education Journals. Innov High Educ 49, 247–269 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10755-023-09694-1

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