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The assigned readings for the first module of the course “Selected Questions and Issues in Education” have illuminated key ideas on inclusiveness, equity, diversity among educators, and the importance of Indigenous views. “Positionality” is one of these ideas that has a special resonance. Positional awareness focuses on how our backgrounds in society and culture affect our opinions, prejudices, and presumptions. Recognizing how we approach the problems of inclusion, equity, and diversity within education is largely based on this concept.

Sensoy and DiAngelo’s reading from 2017 contains a critical phrase that, in my opinion, best captures the concept of positionality: “Our positions in society shape our perspectives and the perspectives of others.” This quotation effectively conveys the core of positionality by highlighting that our roles in society and origins influence our perspectives and how other people view us. (Sensoy & DiAngelo  2017)

Let us now explore the connections between the texts and the idea of positionality:

Firstly, Sensoy and DiAngelo (2017): Sensoy & DiAngelo integrate the ideas of critical social justice and post-colonial theory in their reading. They emphasize the importance of recognizing our specific positions while talking about equity and justice. The authors contend that comprehending where we stand is essential for effective participation in social justice discourse. This reading encourages us to consider our positions in society and their effects as a starting point for understanding the idea of positionality (Sensoy & DiAngelo (2017).

Secondly, McIntosh (1989) explores the concept of privilege and how it frequently goes unnoticed by people who enjoy it in his article on white privilege. It highlights how crucial it is to acknowledge one’s privilege as a component of positionality. This article challenges readers to examine their sociocultural positions and how they influence their experiences and opinions, particularly those who might have never thought much about their privileges (Mcintosh, 1989).

Thirdly, in their 2018 work, “Potlatch as Pedagogy,” Davidson Davidson explains Traditional learning methods and the significance of comprehending Indigenous views. By encouraging readers to think about how their cultural upbringings and presumptions might vary from Indigenous points of view, this reading connects to positionality (Davidson & Davidson, 2018). It emphasizes the importance of awareness of one’s positionality when interacting with indigenous knowledge and viewpoints.

These texts above emphasize the importance of self-awareness of our cultural positions and backgrounds, which helps us better grasp positionality. Sensoy and DiAngelo establish the foundation for the idea, McIntosh emphasizes the part privilege plays in it, and Davidson and Davidson stress the significance of taking cultural differences in positionality into account. The concept of positionality was exciting to me as I responded to these readings. It got me thinking about how my experiences and background affect how I engage with others of all backgrounds and viewpoints in educational environments. I understand the importance of being conscious of my positionality to promote an inclusive and equitable learning environment.

As I progress through this course, I intend to self-evaluate my positionality regularly to analyze how it influences my relationships and what I think about them. Because of my improved self-awareness, I will be able to contribute more meaningfully to discussions taking place in the classroom regarding issues of inclusivity, equity, and diversity. In addition, it will enable me to comprehend better the myriad of perspectives stemming from various cultural foundations.

In conclusion, the concept of positionality serves as an essential prism through which we may observe how the societal duties and experiences we have had influence the perspectives we hold and the interactions we have with other people working in the field of education. When taken as a whole, the readings by Sensoy and DiAngelo, McIntosh, and Davidson and Davidson underscore how important it is to be aware of our positionality in making the educational environment more accessible and equitable. As I embark on my educational journey, I am resolute in making this concept a part of my approach since doing so is necessary to have meaningful exchanges with the various facets of education.

References

Davidson, & Davidson. (2018). Potlatch as Pedagogy, Introduction and Chapter 1.

Mcintosh,p. (1989). White Privilege: Unpacking the invisible knapsack.

Sensoy & DiAngelo (2017), “What is Critical Social Justice” (pp. xix-xxi) and “Prologue: A Parable” (pp. xxv-xxvii).

Personality and Perspectives in Education