The DARE Lab’s research activities fall within three categories

Abolition democracy. Rooted in the scholarly tradition of W.E.B. DuBois, we examine how the political process and social welfare policy can be used to ensure that institutions of domination are dismantled and replaced with institutions that support the wellness of all people. 

Critical consciousness/sociopolitical development.  We examine how people become aware of and choose to resist injustice. Within social work practice, the focus is on how social workers choose to act in solidarity with their clients. Beyond social work, we investigate civic engagement and political activism. 

Racial identity development, racial attitudes, and racial disparities. Race is sociopolitical construct; however, the dominant approach to studying race and racial disparities relies on treating race as a demographic characteristic.  In the DARE Lab, we investigate racial disparities as the logical result of structural racism and view race as a site of political organizing and resistance.