We are not monolithic : exploring the intersectionality of multiple identities and professional experiences of Black African women evaluators in the United States
- UNCG Author/Contributor (non-UNCG co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
- Onyinyechukwu Onu Onwuka du Bruyn (Creator)
- Institution
- The University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG )
- Web Site: http://library.uncg.edu/
- Advisor
- Ayesha Boyce
Abstract: Historically, the field of program evaluation has been dominated by middle class White practitioners often lacking diversity in race, gender, and cultural perspectives (Fitzpatrick, Sanders, & Worthen, 2014). Recent years, however, have seen a concerted effort to promote diversity among evaluators. According to Hopson and Rodriguez (2014), this shift is crucial for bringing in varied perspectives, more so cultural elements into practice (Hopson & Shanker, 2023) that enhance the relevance and effectiveness of evaluations. In the field of program evaluation, investigations about the experiences of evaluators from a variety of backgrounds is emerging (Arias Orozco, 2022; Boyce et al., 2023b). Evaluators of color often face unique challenges and opportunities in the field of program evaluation. Their experiences are characterized by navigating professional environments that may not fully understand or value their cultural and racial perspectives (Arias Orozco, 2022; Avent et al., 2023; Boyce et al., 2023b). Black African women in the field of program evaluation in the United States occupy a unique intersection of race, nationality, and gender, because it shapes how they perceive their work and navigate their personal and professional lives (Symonette, 2009), yet the exploration of their professional experiences remains scarce. This dissertation ventured into understanding the distinct challenges and opportunities these women face, shaped by their multifaceted identities. It acknowledges the significant gap in empirical research regarding their experiences, especially considering how their combined identity of being Black, African, and woman influence their professional journey. This study’s theoretical framework draws from a variety of theories, namely critical race theory (Crenshaw, 1987; Delgado & Stefancic, 2017), Black feminist-womanist (Collins 2022; Crenshaw, 1990), Afrocentrism (Asante, 1991; Kambon, 1992), and transnationalism (Schiller, Basch, & Blanc, 1995). Collectively, these theoretical lenses provide a multifaceted perspective that helps to deepen the understanding of the experiences of Black African immigrant women in professional evaluation practice. Specifically, these theories offer critical insights into how race, gender, and immigration intersect to influence these experiences. This study utilized a qualitative methodological approach to understand the lived experiences of and advance the literature on the evaluation of Black African women evaluators. Specifically, this study employed semi-structured interviews with Black African women evaluators in the United States. The results of the study revealed the rich, complex narratives of Black African women evaluators, showcasing their professional journeys, the challenges encountered, and the strategies employed to navigate these challenges. Their stories highlighted the critical role of intersectionality, cultural competence, and inclusivity in shaping their professional practices and identities. The findings from this study not only contribute to the academic discourse on intersectionality, cultural competence, and inclusivity but also offer practical implications for fostering equity, diversity, and inclusion within the field of program evaluation. In conclusion, this dissertation is a clarion call to the evaluation field to acknowledge, celebrate, and incorporate the rich and diverse array of experiences, identities, and cultural values that Black African women evaluators bring to their work. It is a testament to their resilience, innovation, and the transformative potential of integrating diverse perspectives into evaluation practice, ultimately contributing to more effective and impactful evaluations.
We are not monolithic : exploring the intersectionality of multiple identities and professional experiences of Black African women evaluators in the United States
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Created on 5/1/2024
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Additional Information
- Publication
- Dissertation
- Language: English
- Date: 2024
- Keywords
- Black African Women, Evaluator, Intersectionality, Multiple Identities, Professional Experiences, United States
- Subjects
- Evaluation research (Social action programs) $z United States
- Women, Black $z United States $x Attitudes
- Africans $z United States $x Attitudes