Experiences of Sexism and Racism Among Black Women Who Hold a Doctorate

Abstract

This heuristic inquiry illuminates experiences of racism and sexism among Black women with doctorates at one predominantly White institution (PWI) and one historically Black college/university (HBCU). A concise literature review is provided, followed by a summary of the processes and phases of heuristic inquiry. The researchers generated new knowledge regarding the use of the honorific “Dr” among members of the target population. The team conducted individual, semi-structured interviews with 12 Black women with doctorates at one PWI and one HBCU. In addition to racism and sexism, ageism also emerged as a central theme from the analysis.