Document Type
Thesis
Date of Award
4-2025
School/College
School of Communication (SOC)
Degree Name
MA in Communication
Committee Chairperson
Dr. Toniesha Taylor
Committee Member 1
Dr. Morgan Kirby
Committee Member 2
Dr. Zantel Nichols
Committee Member 3
Dr. Kathleen McElroy
Keywords
Black Women, Predominantly White Institutions, Staff, Intersectionality, Critical Race Theory, Black Feminist Thought
Abstract
This thesis examines how the treatment of Black women professionals at predominantly white institutions (PWIs) in the United States influences their levels of engagement with coworkers. This study uses rhetorical analysis to explore Black women professionals’ narratives, communication patterns, and lived experiences to understand the dynamics of their workplace interactions in these settings. Utilizing scholarly articles, written accounts, autoethnographies, books, theses, and dissertations, this research analyzes how systemic biases, microaggressions, and exclusionary practices shape the strategies used by Black women to navigate professional, predominantly white workspaces. The findings uncover that the treatment of Black women at PWIs often pressures them to adopt adaptive resistance and coping strategies, which may include code-switching, self-preservation, and self-advocacy to foster collegiality and alleviate potential workplace conflict. It also reveals how these strategies of resistance manifest for Black women in their actions and engagement. Further, the research highlights how the intersection of race and gender impacts the ability of Black women to assert their expertise and feelings without being received negatively. This study concludes with recommendations for cultivating inclusive environments that allow Black women professionals to engage more openly and authentically with their colleagues. It contributes to a broader discussion on diversity, equity, and inclusion in professional settings and highlights the need for systemic changes that affirm the experiences and voices of Black women at these institutions.
Copyright
Copyright © for this work is retained by the author. Any documents and information presented are protected by copyright under US Copyright laws and are the property of the author. All Rights Reserved. For permission to use this content please contact the author or the Graduate School at Texas Southern University ([email protected]).
Recommended Citation
Hamilton, Linda, "Beyond The Concrete Ceiling: Understanding The Unique Experiences of Black Women Working At Predominantly White Institutions" (2025). Theses (2016-Present). 79.
https://digitalscholarship.tsu.edu/theses/79