Examining STEM Students' Learning Outcomes at Research Universities: An Intersectionality Framework Between Gender and Race

• In Event: 45.040 - Cultivating Inclusive Climates in Postsecondary Education

Abstract

Framed by Crenshaw (1989, 1991)’s intersectionality, we examine how women of color students self-assess their learning outcomes such as critical thinking, research, and quantitative skills, compared to White women. We further examine the two-way interactions between race and majors (particularly interested in STEM majors), and the three-way interactions of race and majors with students’ diversity learning experiences on the learning outcomes. Analyzing 38,901 women at 18 research universities, we find that women of color in physical sciences and engineering tend to self-rate lower than White women. Diversity learning experiences moderate White women’s learning outcomes but not women of color, except Asians in physical sciences and engineering. We discuss the implications to promote STEM women of color students’ learning outcomes.

Authors

• Hyun Kyoung Ro, University of North Texas

• Sanga Kim, University of Iowa