Public Policy and Arts Administration (PPAA) Column: Spring 2023

Pondering Positionality in Public Policy

I am a White middle-class, middle-aged, able-bodied female. Why is this important? Those key characteristics determine my place in society, otherwise known as my positionality. Sensoy and DiAngelo (2017) define positionality as follows: “Positionality is the concept that our perspectives are based on our place in society. Positionality recognizes that where you stand in relation to others shapes what you can see and understand” (p. 15).

Because of my positionality, I may not see the barriers preventing others from having the same opportunities. For example, as an able-bodied female, I may not immediately recognize the challenges a person with a disability may experience. Sensoy and DiAngelo (2017) suggest we think about our own positionality by reflecting on the following:

• Identify your social positionality and pay attention to how it informs your perspective (e.g., race, gender, socioeconomic status, abled).
• What limitations of awareness might you have as a result of that positionality?
• What are the things you can and cannot see based on the social positions you hold or do not hold?

Positionality has become a tool for analyzing knowledge construction. According to Sensoy and DiAngelo (2017), “positionality asserts that knowledge is dependent upon a complex web of cultural values, beliefs, experiences, and social positions” (p. 29). When considering public policy, we must consider whose knowledge informs the policy.

Leaders create public policy at the local, state, and federal levels. For example, at the state level, public policy may influence classroom content. The individuals who write public policy do so through the lens of their positionality. Policymakers do not always consider multiple perspectives, and frequently public policies are made through the lens of who holds power.

Therefore, we must critically examine whose knowledge shapes public policy. Scholar James Banks explains that “the knowledge we create is influenced by our experiences within various social, economic, and political systems” (as cited in Sensoy & DiAngelo, 2017, p. 29). Banks reminds us that “what we know” is connected to “who you are” and “where you stand.” Theoharis and Scanlan (2021) urge leaders to actively engage in practices and set policies that support all students’ success and equitable opportunities. As educators, administrators, and leaders in the field of art education, we have the chance to disrupt the status quo of inequitable policies. We do this through a critical examination of the content by asking:

• Does this policy place a barrier for groups who have been historically marginalized?
• Who benefits the most from the policy?

I am allowed certain privileges as a White, middle-aged, middle-class, able-bodied female. Where I stand in relation to others in society shapes what I can see and understand about the world. Awareness of my positionality helps me recognize that not everyone sees the world as I do; there are multiple perspectives.

For comments or questions, please contact us at: PPAANAEA@gmail.com

To learn more about equity in public policy, join us at the NAEA Convention for our presentation and business meeting.

Engaging in Meaningful Discussions That Explore Practices Essential to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
Saturday, 4/15/2023
2:30 pm–3:20 pm
Center/Meeting Room 214B/Level 2

PPAA Annual Business Meeting
San Antonio, TX
Thursday, 4/13/2023
4:00 pm–4:50 pm
Center/Meeting Room 210/Level 2

References

Sensoy, Ö., & DiAngelo, R. (2017). Is everyone really equal? An introduction to key concepts in social justice education (2nd ed.). Teachers College Press.

Theoharis, G. & Scanlan, M. K. (Eds.). (2021). Leadership for increasingly diverse schools (2nd ed.). Routledge.

Column by:

Beth Dobberstein, PPAA President. University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Email: bethel@UWM.edu

Nina Unitas, President-Elect
Susan Buss, Communication Liaison
Phyllis Roybal, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Commissioner
Clara Murray, Critical Friend
Amanda Galbraith, Critical Friend