'IT JUST WEIGHS IN THE BACK OF YOUR MIND': MICROAGGRESSIONS IN SCIENCE

摘要

Microaggressions may be particularly influential on the career development of women and racial/ethnic minorities in science. This study explored racial/ethnic and gender microaggressions in the sciences by exploring two research questions: (1) What are participants' perceptions of racial/ethnic and gender microaggressions in the sciences, and (2) What are participants' perceptions of how racial/ethnic and gender microaggressions play a role in science education and careers? Qualitative interviews were conducted with 11 youths, 11 graduate students, and 13 faculty members who were part of a science support program for Latinx youth. Interview transcripts were analyzed using a thematic approach and directed content analysis. Analyses revealed experiences of (1) microinsults, (2) microinvalidations, and (3) environmental microaggressions. Participants reported four ways in which microaggressions impacted their science education and career development, including (1) detrimental to psychological well-being, (2) mobility across science contexts, (3) pressure to prove ability and competence, and (4) sense of social isolation. These findings reveal the role of microaggressions as an important factor negatively influencing career development. The current study has implications for increasing well-being, retention, and participation of women and underrepresented racial/ethnic groups in the sciences.