“I don’t identify with STEM much anymore”: Exploring Decline in Women of Color’s STEM Identity

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session Friday 9:45 am - Gold 3
  In Roundtable Session: Intersections of STEM and Females

Abstract

Women of Color (WoC) continue to be underrepresented in STEM fields. Some research foregrounds opportunity gaps, lack of preparation explaining these disparities. Recent works highlight identity as a key to STEM persistence. Using identity as lens, in this study, we explore the STEM identity journeys of two WoC in STEM over an academic year. Findings show that participants’ initial strong identification with STEM weakened. Misalignment among the dominant “traditional scientist” image presented in their STEM programs, the kind of professional they aspired to be, and the goals they had for the future led to weakened identification. Findings underscore the need for inclusive representations of STEM professionals to support the persistence of WoC in STEM.

Authors

• Jasmyne Yeldell, University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill

• Anina Mahmud, University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill

• Simone Wilson, University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill

• Dionne Cross Francis, University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill