Calls for submissions to a special themed edition of Social Alternatives

The woke agenda and progressive responses.

Woke is a seemingly benign word defined as being aware of issues and social problems such as racism and inequality. It is the latest term weaponized by the reactionary right who seek to undo progressive gains in social, racial and gender equality. It is being used to smear and belittle those seeking reforms and reverse the gains they have made. The term woke and the anti-woke agenda of conservatives has become fully embedded in US political discourse. It now has spread around the globe supplanting the previously used ‘political correctness’ in countries like Canada and Australia courtesy of the Murdoch press.

The theme editors invite submissions of refereed articles, Commentary and theoretical reflections, poems, short stories, book reviews and artistic images engaging with the theme of the anti-woke agenda and the ways progressives are defending their ground and the gains made over the last few decades including:

• The way the notion of ‘wokeness'is being used by the conservative Right as a bludgeon to destroy progressive developments.
• Attacks on developments in racial and gender equity.
• The so called ‘woke’ curriculumat all levels of schooling and attempts to undermine progressive changes even when fact based.
• The attack on critical race theory, ‘White lives matter’ movement.
• The conservative Right’s attack on transgender people, their families, and medical providers.

Submissions to the Editors: Dr Jason Laker and Dr Veneice Guillory-Lacy

San Joseʹ University by 15 August 2024

[email protected]  &  [email protected] 

Social Alternatives publishes thematically linked academic articles. If you have a idea or proposal for a thematic issue please contact Bronwyn