Our research suggests that as youth reflect on their purpose, they will begin to see how systems of oppression (ie. Violence, Exploitation, Marginalization, Powerlessness, Cultural Imperialism; Young, 2011), play various complex and intersecting roles in shaping the desired pro-social impact linked with one’s purpose. 

How does Critical Consciousness Inform Our Sense of Purpose?

Our research suggests that there are two Critical Consciousness informed pathways to developing the desired impact within purpose: Healing and Directing, which are not mutually exclusive (White, 2020). However, anecdotal evidence suggests other possible paths as well. Therefore, we are continuing to explore the relationship between CC and purpose.

Healing Pathway

This pathway posits that youth and young adults who experience adversity, marginalization, and/or trauma - often related to their identities or positionality in the world - were able to heal from these challenges with the help of CC and move forward to developing purposeful goals related to their CC. Youth first develop an awareness of the systems of oppression or other injustices that negatively impacted them and their families (Critical Awareness) and subsequently develop the motivation to address those injustices via their purpose (Critical Motivation). They develop the motivation to engage in purposeful activities after tapping into the "healing" powers of various communities, talking with peers and supportive adults, and participating in consciousness raising activities (e.g., attending protests). Moreover, they commonly participate in volunteer and service-learning activities (which often serve as emotional "outlets"), and they frequently try to help people with whom they share similar life experiences and identities. Eventually, these small actions morph into a desire for consistent contributions directed toward creating a lasting and sustainable impact (Critical Action/Purpose). Ultimately, through the healing pathway, individuals became more resilient, acquire a deeper sense of empathy, and gain newfound wisdom and purpose.

Directing Pathway

This pathway posits that CC helps youth and young adults develop purpose by providing them with a clearer sense of where to direct their prosocial intentions and how to use their talents, skills, and privilege to positively impact the world beyond themselves. First, youth and young adults - across the spectrum of privileged identities - increased their knowledge of systems of oppression, usually regarding a particular issue, and how those systems of oppression affected people in unjust ways (Critical Awareness). They increased their awareness through classes, documentaries, service learning experiences, etc. They also reflected on how their own positionalities and identities intersected with these systems of oppression, making their concern with these issues more personally meaningful. Similar to those who benefitted from the healing pathway, youth and young adults then develop the motivation to engage in purposeful activities (Critical Motivation) (e.g., volunteer and service-learning programs). 

Of note, purposeful engagement (Critical Action) enhances critical awareness and motivation in a cyclical way. Youth often become involved in activities and with organizations that sought to leverage privilege for the benefit of people who were traditionally marginalized and/or oppressed. An ongoing reflective process helps youth then decide how best to leverage their critical awareness and motivation, as well as their own strengths and skills, to work for social justice in a purposeful, more clearly defined way.