Women of Color in the Aviation Industry

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“…The core theme of this book is equity, specifically racial and gender, both of which have not received the attention necessary within the aviation industry by its leadership. The current DEI efforts made by the industry, specifically within commercial airlines, are performative at best, which is a crucial argument Morrison repeatedly makes throughout the book (Morrison, 2023). This performative diversity does more harm than good because it is ingenuine, provides entities with an "out" to lean on when challenged about their efforts to make a more equitable workforce, and does nothing to address the root issues outlined by the interviewees.…”

“…This performative diversity does more harm than good because it is ingenuine, provides entities with an "out" to lean on when challenged about their efforts to make a more equitable workforce, and does nothing to address the root issues outlined by the interviewees. It is not enough for entities, Morrison contends, to create DEI-centric programming and/or participate in heritage months (e.g., Black History or Pride Month) because these activities alone do not address the institutional structures that hinder the recruitment and retention of minoritized groups (Morrison, 2023). This type of counterfeit diversity allows organizations to circumvent the critical self-reflection that serves as a precursor to foster change that would positively impact the experience(s) of minoritized groups.…”

“…The first is that it seeks to engage readers in meaningful self-reflection to ascertain why DEI efforts challenge an industry that proclaims to be developing an equitable workforce. This leads to the book's second purpose: to encourage readers to question how DEI efforts within aviation continue to diminish the lived experiences of women of color (Morrison, 2023). Such encouragement and reflection were facilitated through the qualitative methodology underpinning the book.…”

“…Women of Color in the Aviation Industry provides enthralling insight into the lived experiences of minoritized women, referred to as women of color by the author, working in various capacities within the aviation industry. From the very first pages of the text, a critical analysis of the multifarious reasons why U.S. aviation continues to be an underrepresented industry for minoritized groups, especially for women of color, despite intentional outreach efforts to these groups through the implementation of robust Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives within the industry (Morrison, 2023). The rather stagnant participation of minoritized groups and in particular, for women in aviation, should be of concern for industry, government, and congressional leadership because it is indicative there are other factors at play that are deterring these groups from entering and/or making it less appealing to remain in aviation (Lutte et al, 2023).…”

“…The text aims to forcibly encourage the industry, specifically its leadership, to consider actions that will result in lasting change rooted in equity to rectify systems of inequity (Morrison, 2023). These long-standing systems hinder minoritized people, especially women of color, from pursuing careers in aviation and/or make them more inclined to leave the industry.…”