The impact of structural oppression and systemic racism on the post-secondary pathway of African American girls and women in a major metropolitan area of the Midwest

Haynes, Tameka N. This phenomenological study sought to understand the impact of structural oppression and systemic racism on the post-secondary pathway of African American girls and women in a major metropolitan area of the Midwest. Participants were individuals ages 18-45 who were assigned female at birth, identified themselves as Black/African American, and attended school in the Greater Milwaukee Metropolitan area. The primary source of data collection was one-on-one semi-structured interviews and participant questionnaires to gather participant demographic information. The theoretical frameworks of cultural capital, culturally relevant pedagogy, intersectionality, and self-efficacy provide context for the discussion. This exploration provided insight into the lived experiences of Black women in a highly segregated Metropolitan area with disproportionate and disparate conditions of the Black community compared to their white counterparts. The primary institution that this study discusses is the educational institution. However, interview participant responses provided the opportunity for them to express their experiences with other institutions such as healthcare, financial, and corporate institutions, as well as the institutional forces of social media, media, and popular culture. Results show that Black women from underprivileged, under-resourced households saw less educational and financial progress. Participant responses indicated that while seeing and being in spaces with people who look like you matter, the support of others through meaningful developmental relationships also matters.

Grantor dc:publisher

Alverno College

Year dc:date

2023

Author dc:creator

• Haynes, Tameka N.

• African American women
• African American girls
• Racism in education
• Education, Higher

Statement dc:rights

• These materials may be used by individuals and libraries for personal use, research, teaching (including distribution to classes), or for any fair use as defined by U.S. Copyright Law.

Language dc:language

English

Repository record dc:identifier

https://alverno.omeka.net/items/show/892

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:alverno.omeka.net:892