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ERIC Number: ED663492
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 2024
Pages: 266
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: 979-8-3844-9382-2
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
Empowering Black Women Professors Teaching within Predominantly White Institutions: Exploring Success Strategies and Best Practices amidst Challenges
Wendy Perkinson
ProQuest LLC, Ph.D. Dissertation, Pepperdine University
Throughout the historical journey of Black women in America, spanning from enslavement (Best, 2015) to activism as abolitionists, advocates for women's suffrage (Sesko & Biernat, 2010), and leadership in civil rights (Rushing, 2021), Black women's resilience shines through amid challenges. This study investigates the phenomenological experiences of Black women professors teaching in predominantly white institutions (PWIs) who are often marginalized because of racial and gender intersectional bias (K.W. Crenshaw, 2017). It explores the challenges these professors endure and examines the success methods they employ to overcome their challenges while discovering their needs for personal and professional success. The study's framework and theories include constructivism (Kincheloe, 2005; Naidoo & Mabaso, 2023), critical race theory (Caldwell & K.W. Crenshaw, 1996; Delgado & Stephanic, 2000), self-determination theory (Deci & Ryan, 1991), hierarchy of needs (Maslow, 1962), resilience, and hope (Harris-Robinson, 2006; R. M. Johnson, 2019). Utilizing semi-structured interviews and thematic analysis, the study interprets meaning within qualitative data as it explores the challenges that Black women professors endure at PWIs, including microaggressions and underrepresentation (Priddie et al., 2022), intersectionality (K.W. Crenshaw, 2017), diminishment and stereotyping (Lobel, 2006), social isolation (Warren-Gordon & Mayes, 2017), lack of support (Neal-Barnett et al., 2011), discrimination (Pager & Western, 2012), invalidation (Griffin et al., 2013), student evaluation bias (Reid, 2010), lacking mentors (M. Jones et al., 2015), tenure denial (Frazier, 2011), and hostile environments (Butler, 2021; Smith, 2004). The practices that Black women professors use to overcome challenges include acquiring support systems (Tatum, 2017), faith in God (R. M. Johnson, 2019), anti-racist communication (Jackson & Mitchell, 2022), professional development (Carlson, 2022), and self-care (Hulsheger et al., 2013). Findings reveal that the marginalization of Black women professors breeds social isolation and a lack of belonging; Black women professors empower themselves to maintain their representation at (PWIs) by creating support systems. They counteract the lack of support by intentionally finding what they need outside their PWIs by joining professional networks and organizations. They seek supporters, mentors, and allies to gain the social capital necessary for accessing information and resources often withheld at PWIs. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com.bibliotheek.ehb.be/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]
ProQuest LLC. 789 East Eisenhower Parkway, P.O. Box 1346, Ann Arbor, MI 48106. Tel: 800-521-0600; Web site: http://www.proquest.com.bibliotheek.ehb.be/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml
Publication Type: Dissertations/Theses - Doctoral Dissertations
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A