April 2025: (Mis)application of (antiracist) theoretical frameworks: Countering epistemic appropriation

co-facilitated by Dr. Marika Kunnas, Serikbolsyn Tastanbek, Anastasia Zhuravleva

In this online meeting of LLED Antiracist Caucuses (IBPOC/Racialized Caucus & White Caucus), we discussed the application and misapplication of antiracist theoretical frameworks outside of their original contexts; in other words, epistemic appropriation. We reflected on intersectionality’s uptake in feminism and social justice movements broadly, as well as the use of Indigenous frameworks and methodologies in research by non-Indigenous scholars. We considered different ways of countering epistemic appropriation as scholars striving toward antiracist methodologies that decenter dominant epistemologies.

 

Required Stimulus texts:

 

Optional Texts: 

 

Discussion Questions

During the caucus discussion, we will focus on the following questions:

  • How can we avoid epistemic appropriation?
    • How can we counter our fears about being called out for appropriation?
    • Does someone “own” intersectionality?
    • Is using intersectionality beyond its original conceptualization epistemic appropriation?
    • How can we counter dominant groups from appropriating and obscuring epistemic resources, as they have done with intersectionality, CRT, and woke?
  • How do we challenge epistemic racism without also contributing to epistemic appropriation?
    • How can we use intersectionality to further antiracism while honouring the original concept (or while building on it)?
    • How can we engage with Indigenous epistemologies without contributing to epistemic appropriation?