What we really need is a femininomenon: a phenomenological study of Midwestern women superintendents in K-12 education through a feminist lens

This phenomenological study explores the lived experiences of Midwestern women superintendents in K–12 education, seeking to understand the ways they navigate and resist the patriarchal structures that historically have marginalized women in leadership positions. Through a feminist lens, the research examines how gender, race, and geography influence women’s perceptions and realities as superintendents. The study employs a phenomenology approach, featuring semistructured interviews with 14 Midwestern women superintendents, to uncover the essence of their experiences and the ways they exercise agency and resistance in their roles. The findings of this study contribute to a deeper understanding of the complexities of women’s leadership in K–12 education, highlighting the need for a “femininomenon”—a phenomenon that centers and celebrates women’s experiences, perspectives, and leadership styles. This study highlights the systemic gendered barriers women superintendents face, including implicit bias, limited mentorship access, and societal expectations, reinforcing the need for structural change in educational leadership. Despite these challenges, participants exhibited resilience through self-advocacy, mentorship, and feminist leadership approaches, emphasizing collaboration, inclusivity, and professional networks to navigate and reshape their roles. This research has implications for policy, practice, and future research, emphasizing the importance of creative inclusive and equitable educational environments that foster women’s leadership and empowerment.

Name thesis:degree_name

Ed.D.

Level thesis:degree_level

Dissertation

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Educ Policy, Orgzn & Leadrshp

Grantor

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Year dc:date

2025

Author dc:creator

• Coy, Whitnee Elaine

Contributors dc:contributor

• Pak, Yoon
• Hood, Denise
• Kang, Hyun-Sook
• Huang, David

• Women Superintendents
• Educational Leadership
• Feminist Leadership
• Midwestern Educational Leadership
• Structural Barriers in Education
• Patriarchy in Education
• Gender and Leadership
• Feminist Theory in Education

Statement dc:rights

• Copyright 2025 Whitnee Coy

Language dc:language

en, eng

Handle dc:identifier

https://hdl.handle.net/2142/129449

OAI record oai:identifier

https://www.ideals.illinois.edu/oai-pmh?verb=GetRecord&metadataPrefix=etdms&identifier=oai%3Awww.ideals.illinois.edu%3A2142%2F129449