Black Woman First, Mathematician Second: Toward an Understanding of Black Women's Construction of Mathematics Identity

• In Event: Black Women and Girls in the Education Pipeline

Abstract

Black Identity Development (BID) is an interpretative framework of five phases used to describe African Americans’ navigation in and through society with consciousness of both racism and Black culture. Black feminist epistemology is used to address the complex, intricately laced power dynamics that mold the narratives of women of color –particularly Black women. These frameworks are seldom used to illuminate factors contributing to the underrepresentation of Black women in STEM disciplines. This pilot study reports findings from interviews and a focus group of seven Black undergraduate women pursuing STEM degrees. Findings are discussed and demonstrate that racism and within group gender bias can influence Black women’s construction of robust mathematics identities (RMI).

Authors

• Ariel D Smith, Purdue University

• Nicole Michelle Joseph, Vanderbilt University - Peabody College