Walking the Line Between Saviorism and Social Activism: A Positionality Perspective on Gentrifier Parents’ Navigating School Choice

This qualitative meta-analysis reanalyzed interview data from five studies to examine how 163 racially diverse gentrifier parents in Washington, D.C., and New York City experienced a tension between their desire to serve the school community and common good and to be served by educational institutions and impart their own values and priorities. As they navigate their community and school choice processes, our analysis shows how “socially conscious” gentrifiers’ reconcile the fine line they walk between saviorism and social activism. The results have implications for educational stakeholders to recognize and disrupt saviorism tendencies among gentrifier parents and enact policy changes for equity.