This guide introduces the principles and practices of critical citation in academic and professional contexts. It emphasizes the importance of recognizing and acknowledging the intellectual and creative contributions of individuals and groups with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. This guide is intended to be informative, educational, and supportive. They are not entirely comprehensive, because this is an evolving topic. As a result, it will be updated as needed.
What is citation justice?
Citation justice or critical citation involves recognizing and acknowledging the intellectual and creative contributions of individuals and groups with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and viewpoints. The goal of critical citation is to address and counteract the existing power imbalances that have historically favored some groups while unfairly disadvantaging and underrepresenting others (Ivins, 2024).
Why does it matter?
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In many fields of study, the same prominent scholars are perpetually cited, creating an exclusionary cycle towards academics of marginalized communities including women, people of color, and those within the LGBTQ+ community (Craft-Morgan, 2024).
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By disregarding these scholars, the valuable information and perspectives they bring to their research and field is also overlooked. Practicing citation justice yields richer and more comprehensive analyses while crediting scholars whose valuable contributions could go unrecognized or underrecognized (Kwon, 2022).
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Citations justice is not only a matter of credit and recognition. Many colleges and universities take scholarly publication into account when considering a faculty member for tenure and/or promotion. This can include examining the number of times the faculty member’s work is cited (Chenevey, 2023).
Organizations advocating for Citation Justice
- Cite Black Women CollectiveCampaign that aims to "rethink the politics of knowledge production" by encouraging the citation of Black women, particularly in academic fields.
- 500 women ScientistsNon-profit organization that works to increase scientific literacy through public engagement, advocate for science and equity, and provide self-identifying women with the tools and support they need to reach their full potential.
- Cite Black AuthorsSeeks to enhance recognition and citation of black academic voices with an approach that requires a shift from traditional citation practices that are passive and white-centric to active citation practices that both quantify and equilibrate racial representation.
- CiteHER BibliographyDatabase repository designed to collect and make available the published scholarly and creative work of Black women in Computing.
- Black in NeuroNon-profit organization whose mission is to diversify the neurosciences by building a community
that celebrates and empowers Black scholars and professionals in neuroscience-related fields.
