Chapter 3: Teaching Theory Through Performance: Role Playing Cultural Capital in the Classroom

“Theory” can be a fuzzy concept that is difficult for many educators to grasp and understand completely. So, why teach it to teachers? In order to explain why I teach it, I need to first explain what theory means to me as an instructor working to raise the consciousness of pre-service teachers regarding issues of race, class, and gender. To me, theory is not truth nor is it the measure of a “true” scholar. In academia, we have a tendency to place theory on a pedestal along with those who claim to be theorists. Theory often works as a smartness card used to assign status. We use it to claim legitimacy. In essence, theories about power can even be about power themselves. Theory can be very useful but only when we humble it.