Rethinking Normal: A Podcast for Liberatory Educators

This episode is all about social constructs. First, I explain what social constructs are and why I think that exploring them is a crucial part of a social justice learning journey. Then, I talk you through a visualization I’ve created to help students understand the construction of social identities, and how the identity categories we use are informed by power. Philosophy Tube's video "Social Constructs (or 'What is A Woman, Really?): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=koud7hgGyQ8&t=1288s.

Today's episode is exciting! I sit down with Nic Dinato, the creator of an original Rethinking Normal simulation called "Origami Hearts Inc.".This engaging simulation is designed to provide participants with a solid understanding of the fundamental workings of waged labor and profit accumulation. It emphasizes that workers produce significantly more value than what they are fairly compensated for, yet they receive almost none of the surplus value. During our conversation, my guest and I dissect the mechanics of running the simulation, diving into the learning theory embedded in each stage of the game.

This podcast talks through a hands-on lesson plan that helps participants understand that disability is a socially constructed category, similar to gender or race.

In this episode, I share a teaching strategy related to anti-oppression pedagogy that I have found to be very helpful. I begin by explaining why exploring dominant narratives is an important part of an anti-oppressive learning journey, and then I delve into some of the ways that "Professor Culture" can help make this process interactive, engaging, and memorable for your students.