Toward Trauma-Informed Pedagogy: An Intersectional Analysis of Pimping in Medical Education

Abstract

Increased awareness of the role of power and privilege in medical education demands reevaluation and critical reflection on the role of pimping, both in name and practice. The authors use an intersectional approach to explore the ways in which the term pimping is rooted in sexist, racist, and classist stereotypes. In using this term to describe a pedagogical approach rooted in hierarchical power and stark knowledge differentials, the medical community intentionally or unintentionally reinforces racist stereotypes, acts of carceral violence, gender-based violence, and harmful ways of referring to sex work. The authors suggest drawing on principles of trauma-informed care, often considered solely in the context of clinical care, as a means of engaging in transformative pedagogy. Embracing such a trauma-informed, transformative pedagogical approach can help dismantle entrenched hierarchies and create a liberatory learning environment grounded in knowledge cocreation and reimagination of teacher–learner binaries. Decentralization of power in teaching relationships can further empower trainees to become active knowledge partners alongside educators, encouraging shared responsibility, trust, and empathy in learning spaces.