Cultural (In)Congruence: How Black Women Navigate Individual, Academic, and Societal Dimensions of Engineering

• In Event: Sheraton Roundtable Session Eleven
  In Roundtable Session: Navigating Gaps, Fractures, and Incongruencies Across Difference (Table 10)

Abstract

Using Bronfenbrenner’s ecological framework and a qualitative case study research design, we explored cultural (in)congruence experienced by Black women. Data was collected via individual interviews with 45 Black or African American, women, engineering, undergraduate students. After conducting thematic analysis, we arrived at four findings: (1) cultural congruence is often a self-initiated pursuit found in non-academic spaces; (2) congruence across individual, academic, and societal domains is often forged at a personal cost (3) students anchored in strong individual culture were better suited to endure the incongruence across academic and societal realms; and (4) there is a much room for higher education less culturally taxing for minoritized Black students. We conclude with implications for equity-minded engineering faculty and education leaders.

Authors

• Brooke Coley, Arizona State University
  Presenting Author

• Meseret F. Hailu, Arizona State University
  Presenting Author

• Prince K. Kwarase, Arizona State University
  Presenting Author

• Keti Tsotniashvili, Arizona State University
  Presenting Author