5001-Applying an Anti-Racism Lens in the Literature Review

How Do We Gain Knowledge? In 1643, Sir Isaac Newton is quoted to say, "If I have seen further, it is by standing on the shoulders of giants." What he meant by this statement is that learning about the discoveries of others helped him incorporate that knowledge and then “see further” to develop new ideas. In social work, we often think about the discoveries of others. That is, we use the interventions and strategies that have worked in the past to inform our own practice with clients/participants. As such, we need to develop our skills in exploring what others have found and then stand on that foundation to see further. One of the ways researchers explore these questions is by consulting the literature on the topic for guidance and insight to inform their topic choice and research question. It is important to keep in mind while conducting a literature review, however, that much research in the social sciences has been completed using practices that are heavily centered on White, Western, Educated, Industrialized, Rich, and Democratic (WWEIRD) ideals and perspectives (Heinrich, J. et al., 2010). It is essential to explore literature that is outside of the WWEIRD perspective to gain a greater perspective. This week, you will begin working to include an anti-oppressive lens within the upcoming literature review assignment. Reference Heinrich, J., et al. (2010). The weirdest people in the world? Behavioral and Brain Sciences, 33(2–3). https://doi(dot)org/10.1017/S0140525X0999152X Applying an Anti-Racism Lens in the Literature Review In preparing to complete your literature review, you likely found there are many tools available to address aspects of scholarly writing. Some of these tools include Academic Writer and TurnItIn. You will also have begun to develop a list of peer-reviewed journal articles, texts, and other scholarly works, hopefully many written with an anti-oppressive lens. You may find that, throughout your MSW journey, a reference management tool like the one found in Academic Writer or the Capella library (RefWorks) to be very helpful. For this discussion, share ideas regarding anti-oppressive research practices and/or tools and resources related to writing and research. Here are some ideas to get you started: What did you find to be most enlightening for you in this week's readings and resources? What are the key points you would want others to know? How do you think the Anti-Racist Action Plan worksheet will help you as you gather literature? Why? What did you find to be the most helpful for you in this week's Toolkit for Centering Racial Equity in Research reading, Racial Equity in Data Analysis? What are you finding to be the most difficult part of completing the literature review assignment? What are the easiest?