Cultural misinterpretation and its effect on the life trajectories of Black males

Abstract

Both the discipline gap (a phenomenon showing that United States' students of certain racial backgrounds are subjected to disciplinary action at much higher rates than other demographic groups) and the academic achievement gap (disparities among demographic groups in standardized class selection, test scores, high school graduation rates, higher education attainment, and other educational outcomes) exist between students of different ethnic and racial minority classifications and their White counterparts. This research study examined the effects that cultural misinterpretation can have on the above-mentioned gaps and, consequently, the role that it plays in the life trajectories of Black males. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with four Black adult males who recounted past occurrences with teachers and other school officials during their formative adolescent years (middle school and high school). A narrative inquiry approach allowed participants to make sense of these shaping experiences as the overarching research question of this study was addressed: How do past relationships with teachers and other school officials impact the ways in which adult Black males, reared in economically challenged communities assess their current lives? Oppositional culture theory was used as a theoretical framework to better understand the perceptions of student-teacher relationships and school environments through the lens of the Black male student. Findings support existing literature regarding deficit thinking and cultural responsiveness as well as three tenets of oppositional culture theory: 1) Black students perceive fewer returns to education and more limited educational opportunities than other demographics; 2) High-achieving Black students are often looked down upon by their peers; and 3) Disenfranchisement with the educational system reproduces the current academic achievement gap. Finally, the emergence of peer misinterpretation seems substantial enough to warrant future research on its roots, breadth, and overall psychological effects. As such, directions for further research are suggested, specifically for analyzing how the lives of Black males are impacted by misinterpretation exhibited by their Black peers.--Author's abstract