The Dynamics of Whiteness: Children Locating Within/Without

Abstract

In this chapter we explore how discourses of whiteness construct and reconstruct diverse identities and possibilities for children in their worlds. We ask, what does this mean for early childhood? Do we need to rethink how we work with young children around the politics of “race” in order to create greater equity for all? As Foucault (1985) argued: There are times in life when the question of knowing if one can think differently than one thinks, and perceive differently than one sees, is absolutely necessary if one is to go on looking and reflecting at all. (p. 8)