Using Intersectionality to Explore the Science Identity of Male Students of Color: A Mixed-Method Study

• In Event: The Role of Equity in Mixed-Methods Research

Abstract

The purpose of this mixed-methods study was to use intersectionality theoretical framework to explore the science identities of male students of color (MSOCs) in STEM and their decisions to pursue science professions after college. Phase 1 utilized a survey to analyze differences in science identity scores (SIS) and decisions to pursue science professions of 702 demographically-diverse college students enrolled in STEM courses at a state college in Southeast United States. Black and Hispanic males had higher SIS when at least one parent had a bachelor’s degree. Phase 2 utilized interviews from five MSOCs whose science identities were oriented around their future-focus mindsets, connectedness to technology, engineering, and math, and science experiences and ideas shaped their decisions to pursue STEM fields.

Authors

• Regina P. McCurdy, Georgia Southern University

• Haiyan Bai, University of Central Florida