Exploring the complexities of black academic life in the UK using Bourdieu’s theory and critical race theory

Abstract

This study examines the experiences of Black academics working in academia in the United Kingdom (UK), drawing on Bourdieu's theory of practice and insights from Critical Race Theory (CRT). It adopts a multilevel analysis of the experience of Black academics in the UK academic settings. The study expands Bourdieu's theory of linguistic capital by illustrating how accents, typically a disadvantage for migrants, can serve as an advantage for Black academics in the UK. At the meso level, group interactions are examined using Bourdieu’s theory of symbolic violence, focusing on how privilege is perceived and perpetuated through linguistic violence. At the micro level, the concepts of agency and symbolic violence are applied to analyse the dynamics and interactions among Black academics. Meanwhile, at the macro level, structural and institutional trends are explored through Bourdieu’s theory of fields. Critical Race Theory (CRT) addresses and analyses racial and structural barriers. This thesis makes an original contribution by extending the theoretical understanding of the root causes, mechanisms, and struggles surrounding Black underrepresentation in UK academia. Through twenty-six interviews with Black UK academics, the research highlights the enduring impact of structural racism and systemic barriers while also addressing the role of fragmented networks and subtle forms of symbolic violence within academic institutions. Migratory differences in attitudes toward geographic mobility, particularly migration from the UK to US academia, further illuminate how Black scholars navigate these barriers. Participants' narratives underscore the impact of structural injustices, including fragmented networks, and the subtle yet pervasive nature of symbolic violence within academic and institutional settings in the UK. The findings underscore the importance of transformative, systemic change to dismantle institutional biases and foster inclusive academic environments that empower Black scholars. By intertwining Bourdieu’s theoretical framework with CRT, this study advances both fields, offering a nuanced understanding of race, academia, and social justice.