Working out whiteness in modern British history

Abstract

Liburd’s Commentary considers the place of whiteness in the teaching and research of modern British history. It does so through a reflection on the experience of designing and delivering ‘The White Man’s World: Whiteness in Modern British History’, a module for third-year students in Durham University’s Department of History. The essay explores the challenges of doing so, including issues of positionality, students’ unfamiliarity with the topic and key concepts, the overbearing dominance of the United States when it comes to discussing race, and the paucity of relevant academic secondary literature specifically on Britain. Liburd also grapples with the stakes and importance of studying whiteness in modern British history during the current political moment.