Heuristics and anti-racism methodologies : Exploring possibilities for shifting antiracist education and research paradigms

Abstract

This paper represents the first in a series of discussions that follow the development of a heuristic anti-racism methodology and pedagogical approach to operationalise learning beyond empathetic engagement. The experimental study explored the feasibility of using heuristic phases in a structured, yet natural flowing exploration of personal interactions with racism. With a specific focus on anti-Black racism, the researcher engaged in a 30-day sequence of purposeful awareness and investigation, creating a unique research testing environment as the first module of a course aimed at engaging deeply with racism as it presents in daily life. The paper begins with a brief discussion of the present reliance on empathy-based anti-racism and its limitations. The discussion is followed by an introduction to heuristic methods and their potential use in anti-racist inquiry and education. The paper explains how heuristics lends itself to the complexities of anti-racism by emphasising the value of the lived experiences of both the researcher and participants, as supported by a brief review of current literature. The core of this discussion presents the background to this study and an explanation of the processes used to repurpose the methodology, explore its usefulness in expanding anti-racism knowledge and practice, as well as assess the sustainability of researcherparticipants’ personal curiosity as intrinsic motivation. The paper closes with a discussion of the next steps in the development of the curriculum and suggestions for further use of these processes in anti-racism research.