Structural Forces and Storywork: Qualitative Methodologies for Understanding Identity, Inequity, and Opportunity

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session Saturday 7:45 am - Gold 4

Session Type: Roundtable Session

Abstract

This roundtable brings together qualitative researchers exploring how identity, opportunity, and systemic inequity are shaped by context-specific structural forces. Papers include a phenomenological study of international students’ employment pathways in China; a multi-study presentation integrating Critical Race Theory and Cultural-Historical Activity Theory to examine educational injustice in the U.S.; and a narrative study using cultural profiles to explore STEM identity formation among emerging island-based scientists. Together, these works showcase theoretically grounded methodologies that center lived realities, challenge dominant structures, and generate actionable insights. This session contributes to global and place-based conversations on equity, identity, and educational futures.

Sub Unit

• Division D - Measurement and Research Methodologies / Division D - Section 3: Qualitative Methodologies

Chair

• Jiaqi Tang, Tsinghua University

Papers

• A Phenomenological Exploration of International Students’ Barriers to Employment in China - Jiaqi Tang, Tsinghua University

• Critical Race Theory and Cultural Historical Activity Theory in education: Surfacing and disrupting systemic inequities - Doron Zinger, California State University - Dominguez Hills; Socorro Cambero, University of California - Irvine; Abdul-Rehman M. Issa, University of California - San Diego

• Cultural Profiles as Narrative Methodology for STEM Identity of Emerging Island-Based Scientist - Rodney K. Hopson, American University; Manuel A. Pérez-Troncoso, PUCV-CIAE Postdoctoral Researcher; Cecilia Noelle Vaughn-Guy, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign