Deconstructing Black physics identity: Linking individual and social constructs using the critical physics identity framework

Abstract

Understanding the ways in which Black folks identify as physicists can provide useful information about the facets of the physics discipline that perpetuate systems of oppression. In prior work, we developed the critical physics identity (CPI) framework to identify the structures and systems that impact the ways that people identify with the physics discipline. In this paper, we apply the CPI to deconstruct the factors that influence physics identity for a sample of undergraduate, graduate, and professional Black physicists. Using the CPI constructs, we classify important internal and external factors that influence how they identify, or not, as a physics person. We find that racialized resources were more influential than physics identity constructs, and document the subcodes of each CPI construct that are discussed most frequently among participants. We note variations between early and later career physicists and between men and women.

Community of practice approach for understanding identity development within informal physics programs

“…Factors such as student attitude, self-efficacy, agency, a sense of belonging, and motivation are understood to be important for building identity and addressing the number and diversity of students who persist in STEM subjects [9,[21][22][23]. However, for students of color, women, and other marginalized groups coming into the field, building a physics identity necessarily intersects with their other identities and experiences [3,[24][25][26]. In some cases, these intersecting identities may not align with current cultural norms and perceptions established by some members of the field surrounding who should be a physicist [26][27][28].…”

“…However, for students of color, women, and other marginalized groups coming into the field, building a physics identity necessarily intersects with their other identities and experiences [3,[24][25][26]. In some cases, these intersecting identities may not align with current cultural norms and perceptions established by some members of the field surrounding who should be a physicist [26][27][28]. For example, a study conducted by Hyater-Adams et al used the critical physics identity framework (CPI) to look at how the experiences and structures impact the formation of black physicists' identity.…”

“…They found that both internal thoughts around who can be a physicist and external ideals put forth by the community and others external to the community about who can engage in physics discouraged participation in physics and therefore negatively impacting physics identity [25,26]. Thus, a systemic lack of support for physics undergraduate and graduate students' development of identity and sense of belonging in physics (so they can see themselves as a physicist) negatively impacts their career path; this is particularly true for those from underrepresented groups in physics [4][5][6]9,12,24,26,29]. If internal and external recognition of having the ability to be a physicist has the biggest impact on physics identity development, then it is clear that the current climate of physics allows members of marginalized groups to struggle to participate and persist in physics, preventing changes in the landscape of the field.…”

Systemic Change: TEAM-UP and Beyond

“…Physics identity-the perception that one is, or is preparing to become, a physicist-is another crucial factor in persistence in physics (or other STEM disciplines) [5][6][7][8]. It, too, is most often recognized through impediments.…”

Supporting multiple identities in informal spaces: Examining design choice

“…Theorized by Simone Hyater-Adams, et al the Critical Physics Identity (CPI) framework is a lens to look at the intersection of physics and racial identities [9,18]. A framework for science identity was originated by Carlone and Johnson from their study that followed fifteen women of color in various scientific fields [19].…”