UCA Professor Dr. Angela Webster-Smith was recently published in the Encyclopedia of Diversity and Social Justice.
The Encyclopedia of Diversity and Social Justice published in 2015 contains over 300 entries alphabetically arranged for straightforward and convenient use by scholars and general readers alike. This reference is a comprehensive and systematic collection of designated entries that describe, in detail, important diversity and social justice themes.
Dr. Sherwood Thompson edited the encyclopedia and assembled a network of contributors and consultants to provide a centralized source and convenient way to discover the modern meaning, richness, and significance of diversity and social justice language, while offering a balanced viewpoint.
This encyclopedia reveals the unique nature of the language of diversity and social justice and makes the connection between how this language influences—negatively and positively—institutions and society. The terms have been carefully chosen in order to present the common usage of words and themes that dominate our daily conversations about these topics.
Entries range from original research to synopses of existing scholarship. These discussions provide alternative views to popular doctrines and philosophical truths, and include many of the most popular terms used in current conversations on the topic, from ageism to xenophobia. This reference covers cultural, social, and political vernacular and offers an historical perspective as well. With contributions from experts in various fields, the entries consist of topics that represent a wider context among a diverse community of people from every walk of life.
Webster-Smith’s article is entitled Racial Identity. Reflecting on racial identity is important because beliefs and attitudes regarding race have a comprehensive effect on individuals. Such beliefs and attitudes influence self-image (positive or negative), how one views one’s own group, as well as groups that are unlike one’s own (superior, inferior, equal). Racial identity is not a new phenomenon. It has historical correlation with health, intellectual development, worldviews, and life goals. The two-volume set was published by Rowman and Littlefield.
Dr. Webster-Smith is currently the chair of the board for an open enrollment public charter school and is an executive coach with public school principals. She is active on the campus of the University of Central Arkansas and in professional organizations.