Dismantling the scaffolding of institutional racism and institutionalising anti‐racism

Abstract

AbstractThis paper addresses the challenge to organisations seeking to address institutional racism. It is argued that racism is systemic in its historical roots, anchored in racialising discourses, bolstered and fused by the ideology of Whiteness. It describes an approach to organisational consultancy, where the consultant can facilitate change in organisations by adopting an anti‐racism stance and approach which disrupts Whiteness and engages the organisation in anti‐racism praxis, towards dismantling institutionalised racism. Ways in which this process can be facilitated are outlined, as part of the change process towards institutionalising anti‐racism praxis. Practitioner pointsWhat is already known about this topic Racism is historically scaffolded by Whiteness, and it is institutionalised in every aspect of organisations, including in policies, structures and practices. Whiteness is reproduced, including in the theories, models and practices of systemic psychotherapy, our training institutions and services. Scrutinising and disrupting Whiteness in systems in which we work, and in organisations we consult to, is essential to anti‐racism praxis.