Falling In and Standing Out: Exploring Racially Minoritized Women's Path to Become Pharmacy Faculty

• In Event: Race, Gender, and Careers in the Professions: Theoretical and Empirical Investigations

Abstract

Although past research has investigated the obstacles underrepresented racial minority (URM) women face in the pursuit of STEM faculty positions, little research has provided an in-depth look at the experiences of URM women pursuing careers as pharmacy faculty. The purpose of this in-depth, qualitative study is to explore what experiences facilitate and/or impede agency in the career decisions of URM women pharmacy faculty. This study employs O’Meara et al.’s (2012) framework of the dual nature of agency – strategic perspectives and actions. The findings from this research reveal themes concerning how and why 14 URM women in pharmacy chose a faculty career, and the role of agency in this process.

Authors

• Antonio A. Bush, Association of American Medical Colleges

• Katherine Furl, University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill

• Blake Martin, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy

• Estella Obi-Tabot, University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill