Abstract
This doctoral study interrogates gendered and racial inequality in the higher education profession by exploring the lived experiences of Black women academics at a historically White Afrikaans-medium university in South Africa. In line with the national transformation agenda to address the shortage of the number of Black women academics in South Africa, as well as the need to create a truly equitable work environment, this study adopts a Black Feminist theoretical framework. By drawing on the work of known Black Feminist writers, emphasis is placed on rejecting universal Eurocentric norms of behaviour and rather understanding the challenges and needs of Black women from the perspective of Black women themselves. Therefore, this study adopts an in-depth qualitative case study methodological approach to establish the challenges and motivations that characterise Black women’s career development to full professorship at Stellenbosch University. In terms of research implications, this study highlights the possibility of inclusion of Black women to grow the institutional diversity and academic profile of Stellenbosch University. Not only does this offer to address prevailing intersectional disparities within the structures of the university itself, but it also opens up scope for further areas and methods of study.
Presenters
Shante NeffTransformation Programme Coordinator, Stellenbosch University, Western Cape, South Africa
Details
Presentation Type
Theme
KEYWORDS
Inequality, Intersectionality, Black Feminism, Higher Education
