Women of Color and Faculty Life
Session Title
The College Experience / Health and Wellness 2
College
College of Arts and Sciences
Department
Sociology, Criminology & Anthropology
Abstract
This study explores the experiences of women of color in a predominantly white university setting. I examine how discrimination and relationships with colleagues both within and across departments affects the work life of women of color (WOC) faculty. The research is based on 14 semi-structured interviews with women of color faculty at a southern university. Of the participants, 9 identified as Black or African American, 4 identified as Asian-American immigrants, and one identified as a Black immigrant. This research examines the commonalities and variations of the experiences of these WOC faculty. The findings suggest that (1) women of different racial/ethnic backgrounds have distinctive faculty experiences and most have experienced discrimination throughout their academic career; (2) WOC faculty perceive harsher judgement in areas such as tenure and promotion or managing the classroom; however, immigrant WOC faculty tend to perceive these kinds of discrimination being less blatant than Black WOC faculty; (3) experiences of isolation are common, and establishing relationships with colleagues is particularly challenging for WOC faculty both within and across departments. Many of these women actively seek to establish relationships with other women of color and develop a sense of comradery. These relationships may be important for ensuring the recruitment and retention of WOC faculty.
Start Date
15-4-2022 12:00 PM
Women of Color and Faculty Life
This study explores the experiences of women of color in a predominantly white university setting. I examine how discrimination and relationships with colleagues both within and across departments affects the work life of women of color (WOC) faculty. The research is based on 14 semi-structured interviews with women of color faculty at a southern university. Of the participants, 9 identified as Black or African American, 4 identified as Asian-American immigrants, and one identified as a Black immigrant. This research examines the commonalities and variations of the experiences of these WOC faculty. The findings suggest that (1) women of different racial/ethnic backgrounds have distinctive faculty experiences and most have experienced discrimination throughout their academic career; (2) WOC faculty perceive harsher judgement in areas such as tenure and promotion or managing the classroom; however, immigrant WOC faculty tend to perceive these kinds of discrimination being less blatant than Black WOC faculty; (3) experiences of isolation are common, and establishing relationships with colleagues is particularly challenging for WOC faculty both within and across departments. Many of these women actively seek to establish relationships with other women of color and develop a sense of comradery. These relationships may be important for ensuring the recruitment and retention of WOC faculty.
