Mastering New Narratives in the Computing Fields: Latina Counternarratives of Research Practice

• In Event: Roundtable Session 78
  In Roundtable Session: Student Diversity and Identity Formations in the Sciences

Abstract

In this study, authors examined the lived stories of professional women in the sciences. The question guiding the research was: How do scientists invoke master narratives, counter narratives, or combinations of the two in telling of their professional lives? Studying the counter narrative turns of individuals on the margins can shed light on exceptional lived experiences and serve to advocate for societal change. The authors discovered a narrative pattern in which the storyteller reframed the master narrative of academic success to reflect her personally relevant professional goals. Understanding how these blended narratives develop may uncover how marginalized individuals persevere and thrive when their lived experiences contradict the master narratives prevalent in the target community.

Authors

• Sarah Taylor Hug, Colorado Evaluation & Research Consulting

• Heather L. Thiry, University of Colorado - Boulder

• Elsa Quiroz Villa, The University of Texas - El Paso