Reimagining Internal Transformational Resistance in High School Ethnic Studies

Abstract

This article focuses on the ways the authors incorporate a transformational resistance framework in their ninth-grade ethnic studies curriculum. While literature on transformational resistance often highlights external forms of resistance, there is a need to examine the internal transformation youth experience when engaging in resistance. The authors utilize different theoretical tools that emerge from Latina/o Critical Theory (LatCrit) and Chicana feminist theories to analyze student responses. They also use testimonio and Youth Participatory Action Research (YPAR) pedagogy and methodology to measure the impact their curriculum has on students’ internal resistance. As part of the authors’ curriculum, the academic year culminates with a testimonio (narrative) published book and a YPAR project. By looking at students’ engagement with these two projects, the authors capture the journey towards critical awareness internally by identifying aspects of conocimiento that lead their students to transformational resistance.