Open AccessA Collaborative Autoethnographic Search for Authenticity Amidst the "Fake Real"
Author(s) -
Trenia L. Walker,
Colette M. Taylor
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
the qualitative report
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2160-3715
DOI - 10.46743/2160-3715/2014.1214
Subject(s) - autoethnography , sociology , identity (music) , situated , social justice , ethnic group , social identity theory , economic justice , social psychology , epistemology , pedagogy , gender studies , psychology , aesthetics , social group , social science , anthropology , political science , law , philosophy , artificial intelligence , computer science
This manuscript explores the importance of "authenticity" for the maintenance self-identity for social justice educators in higher education. A collaborative dialogue between two female faculty authors of different ethnicities explores and interprets how to balance one’s own situated understanding of themselves, shared discourse community, and a social justice paradigm. The authors systematically juxtapose their reflections on their experiences as educators in higher education to examine points of similarity and difference. By sharing and interrogating their individual experiences in higher education, the authors argue that the relationship between authenticity, identity, and social justice is complex and multifaceted. The authors conclude by conceptualizing authenticity as a work strategy which plays a vital part in one’s search of her/his individual identity.