Gary Y. Okihiro papers, 1939-2024
Collection context
- Creator:
- Okihiro, Gary Y., 1945-
- Abstract:
- Manuscripts, correspondence, notes, research files, lectures, essays, papers, dissertations, teaching materials, and audio visual materials produced and used by Gary Y. Okihiro during his academic life.
- Extent:
- 69.25 linear feet 59 boxes
- Language:
- English .
- Scope and content:
-
The archive reflects his teaching, research, and service to the university and profession while at Humboldt State University (Arcata, California), Santa Clara University (California), Cornell University (New York), and Columbia. At Humboldt, he served as coordinator of its Ethnic Studies Program; at Santa Clara, he was director of that institution's Ethnic Studies Program; at Cornell, he was the director of its Asian American Studies Program; and at Columbia, he was the founding director of its Center for the Study of Ethnicity and Race.
The archive is comprised of materials which reflect his teaching, research, and service to the university and profession. The bulk of his papers are in Columbia's Rare Book and Manuscript Library (RBML), while other research materials, including rare Botswana books, photocopies of archival documents primarily from the National Archives, and other published ephemera are at the Gary Y. Okihiro Library in the Asian American Center, Yale University (New Haven). One copy of all of his publications is in his library at Yale. The two collections are cross-referenced in the indexes to both collections.
- Biographical / historical:
-
Gary Y. Okihiro is an Asian American author and scholar. He was a professor of international and public affairs at Columbia University in New York City and the founding director of Columbia's Center for the Study of Ethnicity and Race. Okihiro received his Ph.D. from the University of California, Los Angeles in 1976.
Okihiro is the originator of "social formation theory" which he defines as the forms and processes of power in society to oppress and exploit. By forms, he means the discourses and practices of race, gender, sexuality, class, and nation, and by processes, he refers to the articulations and intersections of those social categories. Power is agency, while oppression is the restriction of agency, and exploitation, the expropriation of land and labor. Okihiro has also proposed a field of study that he calls "Third World studies" from the "Third World curriculum" demanded by students of the Third World Liberation Front in 1968. Third World studies, he contends, is the correct name for the field now known as "ethnic studies." He explains that name switch and some of its consequences in his book"Third World Studies: Theorizing Liberation" (2016).
Access and use
- Restrictions:
-
This collection is located off-site. You will need to request this material at least three business days in advance to use the collection in the Rare Book and Manuscript Library reading room.
This collection has no restrictions.
- Terms of access:
-
Reproductions may be made for research purposes. The RBML maintains ownership of the physical material only. Copyright remains with the creator and his/her heirs. The responsibility to secure copyright permission rests with the patron.
- Preferred citation:
-
Identification of specific item; Date (if known); Gary Y. Okihiro Papers; Box and Folder; Rare Book and Manuscript Library, Columbia University Library.
- Location of this collection:
- Before you visit:
- Researchers interested in viewing materials in the RBML reading room must must book an appointment at least 7 days in advance. To make the most of your visit, be sure to request your desired materials before booking your appointment, as researchers are limited to 5 items per day.
- Contact:
- rbml@library.columbia.edu