Workplace Climate for Science and Engineering Faculty: Intersectionality With Gender, Race/Ethnicity, and Social Class

• In Event: Faculty Interactions With Institutional Environments

Abstract

This study presents the differences in perceptions of workplace climate between science and engineering faculty based on the multiple, intersecting social identities of gender, ethnicity/race, and social class. Faculty perceptions of workplace climate were measured using a scale to assess nine constructs identified from the literature that may impact the persistence of faculty. Seven constructs were identified to include both psychological and institutional factors. Based on the intersectionality framework, two additional factors were included to probe the effects of social class. Data were collected from 287 tenure-track professors in science and engineering departments at three universities. Data analysis using inferential statistics revealed differences in perceptions of departmental workplace climate.

Authors

• Julie Aldridge, The Ohio State University - Columbus

• So Yoon Yoon, University of Cincinnati

• Monica F. Cox, The Ohio State University - Columbus

• Ebony O. McGee, Vanderbilt University

• Joyce Main, Purdue University