Utilizing Intersectionality to Explore the Psychological Effects of Gendered Racism on African American Women in Leadership Across Multiple Career Fields

Abstract

This phenomenological study explored the lived experiences of gendered racism in African American women in leadership positions across multiple career fields. Gendered racism is generally defined as discrimination based on the intersection of race and gender (Lewis et al., 2017). The purpose of this study was to detail the lived experiences and identify the potential psychological effects that surfaced for African American women in leadership based on their double minority status. By identifying the shared experiences of gendered racism in African American women in leadership positions in multiple career fields, this study validated the experiences of this population. Purposive and snowball sampling methods were used to recruit a total of 12 participants that identify as African American, female, in positions of leadership in the academic, legal, medical, and/or mental health fields, and have experienced gendered racism. Data was collected utilizing a semi-structured interview process. Data was analyzed through coding similar responses and identifying themes. Eight themes highlighting psychological deficits and strengths emerged from the data: Transition, Battling Stereotypes, Microaggressions, and Overt Discrimination, Leading with a Purpose, Attack on Authenticity, Undervalued Yet Essential, Emotional Overload, Dismissing the Dismissiveness, and Roll with the Punches. Findings of this study indicate the need for continued research on this population and their unique experiences of discrimination, a review of current anti-discriminatory practices, the need for cultural competency in organizations, and the need for an increase in leadership opportunities for African American women. Keywords: Gendered racism, intersectionality, African American, women, leadership