A Case Study of the Experiences of Black Female Faculty at Research-intensive Schools of Social Work
ORCID
http://orcid.org/0000-0002-9374-5372
Date of Award
Spring 5-15-2020
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Degree Type
Dissertation
Abstract
Representation has improved over the past 40 years among Black female faculty members in social work schools; however, low academic rank and distribution of this demographic across institutions is one way in which predominately White institutions (PWI) of higher education perpetuate racial inequalities. Higher education, in general, continues to result in negative experiences and poor outcomes for Black female faculty members such as time to tenure, low academic rank, and feelings of isolation. However, little is known about the experiences of this demographic in schools of social work, particularly those identified as research-intensive (R-1) Carnegie-designated institutions of higher education. This case study of Black female faculty at research-intensive schools of social work explores the experiences of these faculty members to determine if the challenging relationship between Black women and higher education in the United States in other disciplines holds true for social work. This present study is shaped by frameworks related to race and gender oppression, namely Black feminist thought, critical race theory, and intersectionality to draw conclusions on the lived experiences of Black female faculty members at research-intensive schools of social work. The goal of this study is a depth of understanding, not generalizability, with the specific aims of (a) exploring how Black women negotiate their roles as tenure-track faculty members in top-ranked schools of social work at PWIs and (b) understanding the nature of professional support for tenure-track faculty members at top-ranked, predominately White schools of social work from the perspective of Black female faculty. It is clear through in-depth interviews that these Black women are unfortunately having experiences similar to those of professors in other disciplines, which makes it difficult to be successful in the professoriate.
Language
English (en)
Chair and Committee
Renee M. Cunningham-Williams
Committee Members
Tonya Edmond, Carolyn Lesorogol, Michelle Purdy, Vetta Thompson,
Recommended Citation
Fields, Lashawnda N., "A Case Study of the Experiences of Black Female Faculty at Research-intensive Schools of Social Work" (2020). Arts & Sciences Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 2185.
https://openscholarship.wustl.edu/art_sci_etds/2185
Included in
Higher Education Administration Commons, Higher Education and Teaching Commons, Liberal Studies Commons, Other Education Commons, Social Work Commons