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ERIC Number: ED657755
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 2024
Pages: 115
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: 979-8-3828-0557-3
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
The Influence of Social Support on Black Women in STEM Management
Rosa L. Leath
ProQuest LLC, D.B.A. Dissertation, South University
This qualitative descriptive study explored the lived experiences of Black women in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) management positions and investigates the challenges within their career advancement and the influence of social support. Through qualitative analysis, participants highlighted the pivotal role of social support networks in their professional journeys. The findings illuminated various dimensions of social support, encompassing emotional encouragement, practical assistance, and informational resources from the in-depth individual and focus group interviews. Importantly, participants identified formal sources of support, including mentors, career coaches, colleagues, and professional networks, underscoring the diverse avenues through which social support manifests in their lives. Moreover, the study uncovered the nuanced ways in which social support influences Black women's experiences in STEM management. Participants described how supportive relationships bolstered their confidence, resilience, and sense of belonging in predominantly male-dominated fields. Additionally, social support was recognized as a critical factor in navigating challenges such as workplace discrimination, stereotype threat, and imposter syndrome. By providing validation, affirmation, and advocacy, support networks served as invaluable buffers against systemic barriers and contributed to participants' professional success and well-being. The findings of this study provide valuable insights into the intricate ways social support shapes the career trajectories of Black women in STEM management. It also uncovered the challenges within their career advancement, as well as the barriers and facilitators that influence their access to social support networks. Furthermore, the study identified intersectionality as a central theme in understanding Black women's social support experiences in STEM management. Participants discussed the complex interplay between race, gender, class, and other intersecting identities, shaping their access to support resources and their perceptions of inclusivity within STEM organizations. These intersectional insights underscored the need for culturally competent approaches to fostering social support, acknowledging, and addressing the unique challenges faced by Black women at the intersections of multiple marginalized identities. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://bibliotheek.ehb.be:2222/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]
ProQuest LLC. 789 East Eisenhower Parkway, P.O. Box 1346, Ann Arbor, MI 48106. Tel: 800-521-0600; Web site: http://bibliotheek.ehb.be:2222/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml
Publication Type: Dissertations/Theses - Doctoral Dissertations
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A