Date of Award
Spring 5-6-2024
Degree Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
First Advisor
Veronica A. Newton
Second Advisor
Mathew Gayman
Third Advisor
Tomeka Davis
Abstract
Racial microaggressions are daily verbal and nonverbal injustices toward people of color. They are viewed as subtle forms of racism and racial discrimination, that take the form of micro-assaults, micro-insults, and micro-invalidations. While people of color, especially Black people can experience racial microaggressions within any social space, microaggressions are more likely to occur in predominantly white spaces. Prior research has shown Black students and faculty at predominantly white institutions experience racial microaggressions and their effects, including physical and mental health. school and work outcomes, and overall well-being. However, little research shows the effect of both populations at the same institution. This research is important for understanding the similarities and differences between the two groups at the same institution, and to better direct resources that will enable Black students and faculty to successfully navigate the institution. Using 18 in-depth semi-structured interviews, this dissertation captures the experiences and mental health consequences of Black students and faculty experiencing racial microaggressions at a large, predominately white, private university in the Southeast United States. Additionally, this study uses racial battle fatigue and critical race theory to explore educational and work experiences and analyzes the impact of racial microaggressions and associated mental health for students and faculty, respectively. These findings reveal similar themes to previous literature surrounding the effects of racial microaggressions on Black students and faculty at PWIs, while also highlighting new themes such as powerlessness and feeling unwanted and experiences from both groups and showcasing the similarities of such experiences by students and faculty at the same institution.
DOI
https://doi.org/10.57709/36963578
Recommended Citation
Keith, Briana, "Racial Microaggressions Within White Spaces: Experiences and Mental Health Consequences Among Black Students And Faculty." Dissertation, Georgia State University, 2024.
doi: https://doi.org/10.57709/36963578
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