Sociologist Jason Arday, one of the two editors for Sage’s Social Science for Social Justice book series, recently sat down with Harshad Keval to discuss his latest book, “White Narcissism in the Academy.” In this thought-provoking interview, Keval sheds light on the pervasive issue of white narcissism in academia and its impact on diversity and inclusion.
Keval, a senior lecturer in sociology at the University of Manchester, has been researching and writing about race and racism for over a decade. His book, “White Narcissism in the Academy,” delves into the concept of white narcissism and how it manifests in the academic world. Keval defines white narcissism as “the belief in the superiority of whiteness and the constant need for validation and recognition from others.”
In the interview, Keval explains that white narcissism is not limited to individuals who identify as white, but rather it is a systemic issue deeply ingrained in the structures and practices of academia. He notes that the academy has historically been a white-dominated space, and this has created a culture of white superiority and entitlement. This, in turn, has led to the exclusion and marginalization of people of color, particularly Black and Indigenous scholars.
Keval’s book highlights the damaging effects of white narcissism on diversity and inclusion in academia. He argues that the constant need for validation and recognition from white scholars often leads to the erasure of the contributions and perspectives of scholars of color. This not only perpetuates the dominance of white voices in academia but also hinders the progress towards a more diverse and inclusive academic community.
One of the key points Keval makes in his book is the need for white scholars to acknowledge and confront their own white privilege and biases. He emphasizes the importance of self-reflection and actively working towards dismantling the structures of white supremacy in academia. Keval also calls for institutions to take responsibility and implement policies and practices that promote diversity and inclusion.
In the interview, Keval also discusses the role of social media in amplifying the voices of marginalized scholars and challenging the status quo in academia. He believes that platforms like Twitter have provided a space for scholars of color to share their experiences and demand change. However, he also acknowledges the limitations of social media and the need for tangible actions to address the issue of white narcissism in the academy.
Keval’s book is a timely and important contribution to the ongoing conversations about diversity and inclusion in academia. It challenges readers to critically examine their own biases and actively work towards creating a more equitable and inclusive academic environment. As Arday notes in the interview, “White Narcissism in the Academy” is a call to action for all scholars to reflect on their role in perpetuating white supremacy and to actively work towards dismantling it.
In conclusion, Harshad Keval’s book and his interview with Jason Arday shed light on the pervasive issue of white narcissism in academia. It is a must-read for anyone interested in promoting diversity and inclusion in the academic world. Keval’s insights and recommendations serve as a powerful reminder that we all have a responsibility to challenge and dismantle systems of oppression, including white narcissism, in order to create a more just and equitable society.
