Service-Learning and Racial Capitalism: On the Commodification of People of Color for White Advancement

Abstract

We argue that traditional service-learning programs commodify People of Color for the benefit of white people and white-serving institutions. First, we use racial capitalism, white normativity, and race frames to deconstruct service-learning programs. We offer three critiques of what we term "white-serving service-learning": (1) race and racism are largely communicated at the level of bridging individual difference; (2) white heroism is promoted without critically interrogating whiteness; and (3) People and Communities of Color are commodified for the advancement of white students and white-serving institutions. Finally, we reimagine service-learning through racial capitalism.