Challenging simplistic and deficit perceptions of belonging amongst historically underrepresented students

Article


Gilani, D. 2024. Challenging simplistic and deficit perceptions of belonging amongst historically underrepresented students. Student Engagement in Higher Education Journal. 5 (3), pp. 17-24.
TypeArticle
TitleChallenging simplistic and deficit perceptions of belonging amongst historically underrepresented students
AuthorsGilani, D.
Abstract

As the topic of student belonging amongst minoritised student demographics becomes increasingly researched and theorised within higher education, there is a risk that practitioners and policy makers adopt approaches summarised from top-level findings, thus missing important nuance. This opinion piece poses four self-reflective questions to ensure that efforts to address belonging gaps for minoritised students are appropriate and successful. These questions prompt readers to: recognise the value of asset – over deficit – approaches; reflect on how definitions of minoritised students do not account for the difference between historical and current underrepresentation; question whether demographic binaries are useful and relevant; and consider how not all students want to belong and whether it is appropriate to challenge this position. Overall, this article provides a protocol so that practitioners and policy makers can have more confidence in embedding findings from belonging research into their local contexts.

Sustainable Development Goals4 Quality education
Middlesex University ThemeCreativity, Culture & Enterprise
PublisherRAISE Network
JournalStudent Engagement in Higher Education Journal
ISSN2399-1836
Publication dates
Print02 Jul 2024
Publication process dates
Accepted02 Jul 2024
Deposited06 Aug 2024
Output statusPublished
Publisher's version
License
File Access Level
Open
Copyright Statement

Authors retain copyright and grant the journal right of first publication with the work simultaneously licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution License that allows others to share the work with an acknowledgement of the work's authorship and initial publication in this journal.

Web address (URL)https://sehej.raise-network.com/raise/article/view/1223
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