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.” Keval’s research sheds light on the pervasive issue of white narcissism within academia and its impact on marginalized communities. In this interview, Keval shares his insights and experiences, as well as his hopes for creating a more inclusive and just academic environment.
Keval, a lecturer in sociology at the University of Manchester, explains that his book was born out of his frustration with the lack of diversity and inclusivity in higher education. He noticed a pattern of white academics dominating the field, often at the expense of scholars from minority backgrounds. This led him to delve deeper into the concept of white narcissism and its effects on academic spaces.
So, what exactly is white narcissism? Keval defines it as a form of narcissism that is specific to white individuals, stemming from their privilege and power in society. This type of narcissism is often manifested in subtle ways, such as the assumption that white perspectives are the norm and the dismissal of alternative viewpoints. It also plays out in more overt ways, such as the exclusion of scholars of color from academic events and publications.
Keval’s book discusses how white narcissism in the academy not only hinders diversity and inclusion, but also perpetuates systemic inequalities. As he puts it, “White narcissism in the academy is a microcosm of the wider societal issues we face.” This is a crucial point to consider, as the lack of diversity in academia has far-reaching consequences on society as a whole.
In the interview, Keval also touches on the role of white privilege in perpetuating white narcissism. He believes that acknowledging one’s privilege is the first step towards dismantling white narcissism in the academy. However, this is often a difficult and uncomfortable process for those in positions of power. Keval emphasizes the importance of creating a safe and supportive environment for white academics to reflect on their privilege and work towards becoming allies in the fight for social justice.
One of the most powerful aspects of Keval’s book is its emphasis on the voices and experiences of scholars from marginalized backgrounds. He highlights the many challenges they face in navigating the academic world and the toll that white narcissism takes on their mental health. Keval argues that it is the responsibility of white academics to listen to and amplify these voices, rather than speaking for them.
In addition to addressing the issue of white narcissism, Keval also offers practical solutions for creating a more inclusive and diverse academic environment. He stresses the need for institutional change, such as diversifying hiring practices and curriculum, as well as creating safe spaces for marginalized scholars to thrive. He also encourages white academics to actively educate themselves on issues of race and privilege, and to use their positions of power to advocate for change.
As the interview comes to a close, Keval shares his hopes for the future of academia. He envisions a space where diversity and inclusivity are valued and celebrated, and where white narcissism is no longer a hindrance to progress. He also urges white academics to continue to engage in critical self-reflection and to actively work towards dismantling systemic inequalities.
In conclusion, Harshad Keval’s book “White Narcissism in the Academy” is a thought-provoking and timely examination of a pressing issue in academia. Through his research and personal experiences, Keval sheds light on the damaging effects of white narcissism on marginalized communities and offers practical solutions for creating a more just and inclusive academic environment. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in promoting social justice in higher education.
