Tokenism in the Technology Industry: An Intersectional Analysis of Asian and Black Female Technology Workers in Elite Labor Markets

• In Event: 1113 - Intersectionality

Abstract

This paper draws upon a qualitative study of 70 technology workers of diverse racial, ethnic and class backgrounds employed in the Silicon Valley technology firms. Many CEOs of technology firms, continue to identify the educational "pipeline" as the reason for the dismal numbers of Blacks in the industry and for the under-representation of Asian and Black women in leadership positions in technology firms. This paper draws upon multiple sources of data to argue that archetypes and stereotypes, that is belief systems and mythologies about the ideal technology worker, intersect with corporate practices that reward and privilege 'social referrals' (alumni networks, friendship networks) disadvantage black women during the recruitment process. Intersectional theory is employed to illuminate similarities and differences in the forms of discrimination that Asian and Black women report. Both groups negotiate archetypes and stereotypes that continue to shape notions about technology workers.

Author

• France Winddance Twine, University of California, Santa Barbara