The Structural, Political, and Representational Oppression Shaping First-Generation Doctoral Students of Color’s Imposter Phenomenon Experiences

• In Event: Impact of power and politics in higher education

Abstract

Drawing on the three forms of intersectionality outlined by Crenshaw (1989; 1991), this qualitative study examines 19 first-generation doctoral Students of Color’s experiences with imposter phenomenon at a historically white R1 institution to understand how racism converges with other power structures to shape students’ IP experiences. Findings underscore the role of interpersonal interactions, politics of representation, and institutional norms in positioning students as outsiders and contributing to feelings of inadequacy, fraudulence, and lack of belonging. Moreover, findings draw on Students of Color's experiences to provide recommendations for establishing racially affirming and culturally sustaining initiatives to strengthen students’ sense of self and academic self-efficacy.

Author

• Ngoc Tran, University of California - Los Angeles