Beyond Single-Axis Homophily: An Intersectional Analysis of Cohort-Based Mentoring and Networking

• In Event: 4124 - Section on Race, Gender, and Class Roundtables
  In Refereed Roundtable (100 min): Table 2. Work/Workplace

Abstract

Within academia, professional networks are critical to career development, job satisfaction, and productivity. Research on gender and professional networks have highlighted the role of homophily, or the extent to which network members are similar. However, few studies take an intersectional approach to examining the impact of homophily on network impacts. Using quantitative evaluation data from professional development programs for early-career academics belonging to groups underrepresented within their STEM fields, we compare network experiences and impacts along a single-axis (gender) as well as intersectionally (gender and race). Our findings highlight the nuanced ways in which gender impacts networking for women faculty in STEM, and provide evidence for the need to take an intersectional approach to analyzing professional networks. We conclude by discussing the implications of this research for practitioners working to improve diversity, equity, and inclusion among STEM faculty.

Authors

• Cara Margherio, University of Washington

• Coleen Carrigan, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo

• Christine Grant, North Carolina State University

• M. Claire Horner-Devine, University of Washington

• Julie Ivy, North Carolina State University

• Sheri J.Y. Mizumori, University of Washington

• Eve Riskin, University of Washington

• Joyce W. Yen, University of Washington