Jennifer Job and Lena Khader (2016) “Safe Spaces From a Materialist Feminist Standpoint: The Methods of Making HERstory”

In an increasingly standardized education system, spaces for critical explorations of societal norms are difficult to find.  Perspectives of students of color are marginalized in favor of dominant narratives. Provocative and diverse epistemologies are continually pushed to the fringes and underground. However, this does not mean these knowledges have disappeared. This article discusses data from a study of Making HERstory, a youth empowerment program for women of color aged 14-19 and their allies, in a southern state located in the United States. This essay utilizes materialist feminism theory to describe how the Making HERstory workshop—in its contradiction of traditional educational norms—provides a unique method for creating a safe space for girls of color and allies to develop their critical consciousness.

Keywords: youth empowerment, feminist, youth groups, safe spaces

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About Youth Voice Journal

Youth Voice Journal is an international, multidisciplinary, refereed journal that publishes theoretical contributions and empirical studies on international issues affecting young people. In particular, the Journal aims to: - provide a medium, especially for young researchers and young academics, to inform debates around social policy through high quality research; - provide a platform for the intellectual exchange of ideas around the globe with the aim of influencing policies and practices; - actively encourage and aide those young people whose voice is rarely heard by policy makers to contribute to the journal. Youth Voice Journal is published by IARS Publications and edited by Dr. Theo Gavrielides.

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