5.2 A Framework for Evaluation: Potential for Harm
How do we know whose ideas to use and which sources to rely on? The evaluation framework presented in the video, below, builds on the work of Miranda Fricker (2007), Buoventura de Sousa Santos (2011) Beth Patin (2021) and others who have helped to define different types of epistemic injustice.
The framework names different types of harm caused by epistemic injustice, as it appears in our modern day, technology-driven society. The categories we share aren’t exhaustive, and many are related and overlap.
Stop and Reflect
Some of the examples of harm we’ve explored are likely things you’ve witnessed before or even participated in. Maybe you’ve cited a source that left out key voices, shared a post on social media without proper context, or relied too heavily on certain types of knowledge while ignoring others.
Practicing knowledge justice isn’t about being perfect. That’s not possible. It’s about staying in relationship with knowledge, engaging thoughtfully, recognizing when harm has occurred, and taking responsibility for how we move forward. When we notice epistemic injustices, we are called to respond with humility and action. It requires a commitment: do you want to be someone who perpetuates or participates in injustice, or someone who interrupts it?
Take a moment to consider this further:
- What does accountability look like when you contribute to epistemic injustice? How do you repair that harm, either publicly or privately?
- In your school, work, family, social, or online spaces, where do you hold influence? How can you use your position to shift practices toward knowledge justice?
- What power and responsibilities do you have when you witness epistemic injustice – such as misrepresenting a source, speaking over lived experience, or dismissing community knowledge? What can you say or do? When is it not safe for you to do so?
All activities can also be found in a downloadable workbook. Visit the ‘Using this Resource‘ page to access the workbook in MS Word and PDF formats.
Your Authors’ Reflections
