Sociologist Jason Arday, along with co-editor Heidi Safia Mirza, has been working on a groundbreaking book series titled Social Science for Social Justice, published by Sage. The series aims to address issues of inequality and social justice within the field of social sciences. In a recent interview, Arday sat down with Harshad Keval, author of the book “White Narcissism in the Academy,” to discuss the importance of understanding and addressing white privilege in academia.
Keval’s book delves into the concept of white narcissism, which refers to the belief held by white individuals that they are superior to others and deserve special treatment. This mindset is deeply ingrained in the academic world, where white scholars often dominate the discourse and dictate what is considered valuable knowledge.
In the interview, Keval explains that white narcissism in the academy is not just a personal trait, but a systemic issue that perpetuates inequality and exclusion. He argues that the academic system is designed to favor white scholars, making it difficult for people of color to succeed and thrive in the field.
Keval’s book is a call to action for academics to critically examine their own privilege and work towards creating a more inclusive and diverse academic environment. He emphasizes the need for white scholars to acknowledge their privilege and use their position to uplift marginalized voices and perspectives.
Arday and Keval also discuss the role of universities in perpetuating white narcissism. Keval argues that universities have a responsibility to actively address issues of inequality and promote social justice. This includes diversifying their faculty and curriculum, as well as creating a safe and inclusive space for students of color.
The conversation also touches upon the current state of the academic world, where the Black Lives Matter movement has brought issues of racism and discrimination to the forefront. Keval believes that this is a crucial moment for academia to reflect on its role in perpetuating white privilege and take concrete steps towards dismantling it.
The book series, Social Science for Social Justice, aims to provide a platform for marginalized voices and perspectives within the social sciences. It is a step towards creating a more equitable and just academic landscape. Keval’s book is a valuable addition to the series, shedding light on an often overlooked issue within academia.
In conclusion, Harshad Keval’s book “White Narcissism in the Academy” is a thought-provoking and timely piece of work that challenges the status quo in academia. It is a call to action for all academics to critically examine their privilege and work towards creating a more inclusive and diverse academic world. The Social Science for Social Justice book series, spearheaded by Jason Arday and Heidi Safia Mirza, is a crucial platform for promoting social justice within the field of social sciences. Let us hope that this series continues to spark important conversations and bring about much-needed change in the academic world.
