Date of Conferral

2023

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Management

Advisor

Dr. Hamid Kazeroony

Abstract

Black women in America face double discrimination in the workforce. The problem is that Black women experience discrimination in the workforce based on gender and race. The purpose of this qualitative descriptive phenomenological study was to explore Black women’s experiences of discrimination in the workforce based on gender and race. The conceptual frameworks that grounded this study were general systems theory and intersectionality theory. Purposive sampling was used to identify participants; data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 13 Black women who work in a large city in central Texas. Thematic analysis based on descriptive phenomenology was applied to reveal themes and explore participants’ perceptions of their experiences in the workplace. Five themes were identified from analysis of the data collected through coding and journal notes: (a) Black women’s work experiences and intersectionality; (b) the importance of workplace diversity; (c) glass/concrete ceiling and career advancement; (d) representation matters; and (e) coping, support systems, and resources. The results from this study could provide a framework for Black women to experience better work environments that support them on their career journeys. Removing barriers can assist in career advancement among this population, reducing emotional taxation and creating safe spaces, resulting in a positive social change. The study findings could promote positive social change by highlighting the experiences of Black women who face discrimination based on the intersection of race and gender and the coping mechanisms, support systems, and resources that are effective in helping Black women navigate discrimination in the workplace.

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