(Re)applying the Radical Tradition of Sociology to Anti-Racism: Utopia, Hope and Anti-Racism

(SAANZ 2022 Student Plenary Paper)

Abstract

The unique role sociology has played in offering hope and visions for a future is well documented. From Marx’s critique of capitalism to liberation sociology, the discipline has offered visions of the future relying on empirical research and theoretical analysis. While some of this work has been done by anti-racist scholars, the discipline has been slower to offer hope for ethnic minorities who face racism in their day-to-day lives. In this article, I explain the role sociology has played and must continue to play to better offer hope for racialised bodies. By understanding White supremacy and racism as foundational to our modern world, I argue that sociology has a lot to offer when it comes to framing anti-racist futures. I also use my own doctorate research as an example of how qualitative, narrative-based research can contribute to the development of an anti-racist future and offer hope to racialised bodies.