A Theory of Chicana/Latina Feminist Organizational Change: Examining Racialized and Gendered Experiences of Latina Librarians

• In Event: Latina Women in Education

Abstract

Organizational theory has explored the role of organizations in the social construction of gender and race; however, there is limited exploration of Latinas and its intersectionality within organizations. The purpose of this paper is to present a theory developed from my qualitative study that explored the lived experiences of Latina faculty librarians in higher education. The theory that I am advancing merges the theory of gendered organizations and racialized organizations using Chicana/Latina Feminist Epistemology to address gaps in organizational theory literature and gives opportunity to specifically understand the impact on Chicana/Latina women within organizations. Findings from the study indicated these Latina faculty generally faced diminished agency, barriers and challenges, including intersectional microaggressions, specifically associated with their gender and race.

Author

• Sally Najera Romero, California State Polytechnic University - Pomona