“I thought it was just knowledge but it’s definitely a lot of guts”: Exploring Emotional and Relational Dimensions of Critical Consciousness Development

Abstract

The development of critical consciousness (CC) is associated with a range of positive outcomes, including involvement in social action. In the current study, CC is defined as the highest level of socio-political-cultural historical consciousness (SPCHC). SPCHC reflects the range or extent to which an individual can interpret broad social, political, cultural, and historical forces and structures and how these affect individuals and groups to which a person may or may not belong. Additionally, SPCHC encompasses an efficacy that one can impact these structures and, critically, taking actions to change these forces. The SPCHC framework seeks to expand past models of CC by integrating an understanding of the emotional and relational dimensions of the developmental process. Qualitative research, including observations in an urban university capstone course and interviews with course participants, are used to explore and refine the model. Findings from the processes of awakening theme are presented and reflect course participants’ emotional and relational experiences in the course, and how these relate to their journey along the SPCHC continuum.