Critical look at physics identity: An operationalized framework for examining race and physics identity

Abstract

Studies on physics identity are appearing more frequently and often responding to increased awareness of the underrepresentation of students of color in physics. In our broader research, we focus our efforts on understanding how racial identity and physics identity are negotiated throughout the experiences of Black physicists. In this paper, we present a Critical Physics Identity framework that can be used to examine racialized physics identity and demonstrate the utility of this framework by analyzing interviews with four physicists. Our framework draws from prior constructs of physics identity and racialized identity and provides operational definitions of six interacting dimensions. In this paper, we present the operationalized constructs, demonstrate how we use these constructs to code narrative data, as well as outline three methods of analysis that may be applied to study systems and structures and their influences on the experiences of Black students.

Hermione and the Secretary: how gendered task division in introductory physics labs can disrupt equitable learning

“…The identity framework is based on work by Carlone and Johnson [23], who introduced a science identity framework, and Hazari et al [9], who adapted the framework to a physics context. We also draw from physics identity frameworks focused on the pathways [9] and experiences [16] of women in physics, and on the experiences of people of color in physics [24]. A version of the identity framework outlined by Harazi et al [9] employs a three-component model of identity for introductory physics students [27], as illustrated in Figure 1.…”

Who does physics? Understanding the composition of physicists through the lens of women of color and LGBTQ+ women physicists

“…It also allows us to examine the societal, institutional, and cultural impact the culture of STEM has on individuals who must navigate through it. For women of color and LGBTQ+ women physicists, intersectionality can help describe the simultaneous identity negotiations they must conduct to navigate traditionally sexist, racist, and homophobic environments [1,3,[7][8][9]. We assume that alongside the participants' multiple social identities they simultaneously have a physics identity that is developed through their participation in their physics program [4,5,10].…”

“…The ability to gain authority and prestige in physics is currently inseparable from the myth that science is a purely objective, meritocratic, and universal study and is beyond the scope of context and culture [2,[3][4][5][6]. There is a persistent belief that the practice of physics happens in this genderless, raceless, and therefore neutral space.…”

“…The research on women of color in physics has also expanded in the last few years, most notably with the publishing of Ong et al's 2011 paper "Inside the Double Bind: A Synthesis of Empirical Research on Undergraduate and Graduate Women of Color in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math" [1], and Hyater-Adam et al's 2018 paper "Critical look at physics identity: An operationalized framework for examining race and physics identity" [3]. However, despite the increase in literature, very few studies solely focus on undergraduate women of color in physics.…”

Characterizing Models of Informal Physics Programs

“…There is tension, however, since informal programs are often considered tangential to the research or teaching agenda of the organization/individual, instead of being core to the mission of the department/identity of physicist. Additionally, while the culture within physics departments can be very exclusive, in particular for women and minorities [2,3], preliminary studies indicate that participation in informal programs helps students and minorities have a stronger sense of belonging in the community [4,5]. We may be able to help change the culture of physics departments by integrating informal programs more into the fabric of our physics institutions.…”