This paper offers an autoethnographic exploration of the urban elite cohort (UEC) within educational contexts, focusing on the complexities of linguistic identity, power dynamics, and cultural influences. The study delves into the nuances of language use, privilege, and identity formation through personal narratives unraveling language-based stigmatization, social hierarchies, and internalized ideologies within the UEC. The narrative exposes the UEC’s navigation of dominant ideologies, compliance with norms, and the impact on individual identities. The study advocates for transformative practices that promote inclusivity, equity, and solidarity among all students, championing a more just and reflective educational environment. The autoethnographic reflections shared in this study serve as a testament to the intricacies of linguistic identity in educational spaces, urging continuous introspection and advocacy for educational justice.
Minerva S. Chávez is an Associate Professor in the Department of Secondary Education at California State University, Fullerton. With a passion for diversity education, she focuses on the path to inclusive classrooms, teaching courses on diversity education and early teacher preparation. Her research delves into student identity development, critical race theory, and the quest for educational equity. Dr. Chávez received her master’s and Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.