Experiences of Select Women Doctoral Students: A Feminist Standpoint Theory Perspective

• In Event: Mixed Methods Research Applications

Abstract

This mixed research study of the experiences of select women doctoral students was guided by feminist standpoint theory. Specifically, the standpoints of 8 female doctoral students were examined, with 2 male doctoral students included in the study for comparison purposes. This study involved the inclusion of researcher-participants in order to obtain both emic and etic viewpoints. A fully mixed concurrent dominant status design was utilized. Findings revealed six themes, indicating that although challenges to these women doctoral students abound, particularly in terms of balancing one’s academic life with other obligations, they found support and encouragement from family, friends, and other doctoral students to be the most beneficial coping strategy. These findings have important implications for the structuring of doctoral programs.

Authors

• Valerie Tharp Byers, Sam Houston State University

• Rachel N Smith, Lone Star College -Tomball

• Eunjin Hwang, Sam Houston State University

• Kay E Angrove, Sam Houston State University

• Jason I Chandler, Sam Houston State University

• Kelsey M Christian, Sam Houston State University

• Shirley Dickerson, Sam Houston State University

• Leah McAlister Shields, Sam Houston State University

• Stephen P Thompson, Sam Houston State University

• Anthony J. Onwuegbuzie, Sam Houston State University

• Magdalena Anna Denham, Sam Houston State University