Disrupting Political Science
Black Women Reimagining the Discipline
Nineteen Black women in political science share their personal and professional journeys, shedding light on the state of the discipline—and how it needs to change.
Description
This volume brings to the fore Black women's experiences of, and contributions to, political science—a field that never intended to view them as subjects worthy of study and certainly not as professors. Disrupting Political Science demonstrates how Black women blend creative resistance and self-care to overcome obstacles and navigate the discipline's hegemonic demands. Representing a range of career stages and types of institutions, the nineteen contributors share stories of trauma and triumph, as well as concrete guidance rooted in Black feminist literature and reports on the profession. A witty, searing, sometimes heart-wrenching catalyst to reimagine political science, Disrupting Political Science is essential reading for everyone in the discipline and for faculty and administrators across the university committed to recruiting and retaining Black women.
Angela K. Lewis-Maddox is the Assistant Dean, College of Arts and Sciences, and Professor of Political Science and Public Administration at the University of Alabama at Birmingham.
Reviews
"A comprehensive history of the profession by one of the most marginalized groups in our discipline. This volume is an incredibly important contribution to political science and a tool for empowering Black women across the academy. Disrupting Political Science will give countless scholars an invaluable resource as they consider pursuing a PhD, prepare their tenure and promotion materials, and mentor others." — Stefanie Chambers, author of Somalis in the Twin Cities and Columbus: Immigrant Incorporation in New Destinations
"If the discipline of political science seeks to do more than simply pay lip service to embracing diversity, equity, and inclusion, then we need to hear Black women speak—in their own voices—so that we understand our sins and can work to be better. The stories and perspectives in this volume can and should move us closer to meeting our potential, both as scholars and as people." — Ray Block Jr., coauthor of Black Networks Matter: The Role of Interracial Contact and Social Media in the 2020 Black Lives Matter Protests