Anti-Racist Practice and Black Womanhood: An Exploratory and Emancipatory Study Into Anti-Racist Practice in Educational Psychology Through the Perspectives of Black Women Educational Psychologists

This thesis aimed to explore the thoughts, feelings and experiences of Black women Educational Psychologists (EPs) on anti-racism in educational psychology. It also identifies the key features of anti-racist educational psychology practice from their perspective. Five semi-structured interviews were completed and analysed through Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. Findings suggested that Black Women EPs valued their Black identities and Intersectionality. They were motivated and engaged in Anti-Racism, but there was also some uncomfortable positioning, challenging experiences and problematic encounters. Black women valued the increased discourse around anti-racism and other EPs who are engaged in anti-racist practice, but more must be done to support their experiences and to embed anti-racism throughout the educational psychology profession. The key features of anti racist practice included individual EPs introspection, reflection and knowledge development, embedded engagement, the active challenging of racism and systemic support from services. Several implications for EP practice are provided regarding the practicalities of implementing anti-racism for individual EPs and Educational Psychology Services. Using the principles of Critical Race Theory, Intersectionality and Black Feminist Theory, this thesis aimed to explore anti-racism from a unique and underrepresented perspective.