Scholarship Reconsidered: Considerations for a More Inclusive Scholarship in the Academy

Abstract

The current scholarship model in higher education has been conceived, produced, and reproduced in the image of the dominant culture. The values, behaviors, and expectations for the academy have been forged by a university culture that is “relatively homogeneous by race, ethnicity, and gender.” Although ethnic racial minorities are outnumbered by both white females and males, white males, by virtue of their numbers in rank and other positions of power, are the dominant members of the academic community. Individuals whose characteristics differ from those of the dominant group members are less likely to receive recognition, sponsorship, favorable procedural evaluation, or positive commentary on their scholarship. The purpose of this paper is to discuss considerations for a more inclusive scholarship in the academy.