Critical Race Theory and the Archaeology of the African Diaspora

The critical race theory movement, an outgrowth of critical legal studies, offers historical archaeologists a paradigm for a more sophisticated, politically engaged treatment of the issue of race. Unfortunately, an uncritical social constructionist analysis can result in the trivialization or approp...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Historical archaeology 2004-01, Vol.38 (1), p.101-108
Main Author: Epperson, Terrence W.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
African American studies
African diaspora
Africans
Archaeological paradigms
Archaeological theory
Archaeology
Communities
Critical race theory
Critical theory
Descendants
Diaspora
Environmental archaeology
Environmental justice
Historical archaeology
History
Interdisciplinary research
Race
U.S.A
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Summary:The critical race theory movement, an outgrowth of critical legal studies, offers historical archaeologists a paradigm for a more sophisticated, politically engaged treatment of the issue of race. Unfortunately, an uncritical social constructionist analysis can result in the trivialization or appropriation of the concerns of minority scholars, activists, and communities, a position critical race theorists characterize as "vulgar anti-essentialism." Several examples of this process within historical archaeology are discussed. Historical archaeologists, particularly those studying the African Diaspora, need to develop community-based alliances that address common goals and enhance the relevance of their work. One potential mutually beneficial alliance would be with activists and scholars in the environmental justice movement.
ISSN:0440-9213
2328-1103
DOI:10.1007/BF03376636