Representational Politics in the Learning Sciences: Foundations, Limits, and Alternatives

Abstract

In this conceptual paper we interrogate the use and misuse of representational politics within the learning sciences community, including our research, our professional society, and our departments. We argue that representational politics are a necessary but insufficient strategy for advancing equity and justice, and that in many cases they act as a detour that moves us away from more impactful strategies to address harm. To do this, we outline the philosophical underpinnings of representational politics and work through the limitations of these strategies when implemented in our field. We argue that the learning sciences should focus equity and justice strategies around collective liberation approaches rooted in historicized analysis of power and a commitment to solidarity.