A League of Their Own: Enhancing Black Women's Higher Education Pursuit Through Intersectional Role Models

• In Event: Sheraton Roundtable Session 28
  In Roundtable Session: Black Women and Girls in Pursuit of a Higher Education: A Critical Analysis

Abstract

The present research examined how a STEM role model’s intersectional identity mattered in influencing Black women’s interest in higher education (HE). Research posits two causes of Black women’s absence in HE: the additive stereotypes questioning women and Black people’s intelligence. Participants were randomly assigned to read about a Black female, a White female, a Black male, or a White male scientist and completed a survey measuring HE interest. Results showed that Black women exposed to Black female scientists expressed higher HE interest than those exposed to White female, Black male, and White male scientists. Our results contribute to efforts to increase Black women’s motivation in HE; increased HE interest decreases HE dropout rates, and enhances academic performance and intellectual development.

Authors

• Melissa Vega, Teachers College, Columbia University

• Danfei Hu, Teachers College, Columbia University

• Janet Naju Ahn, William Paterson University