A Qualitative Study: Perceptions, Racial Inequality, Intersectionality: Underrepresentation of Black Women in Intercollegiate Leadership

Abstract

The literature existing for Black women in athletic leadership roles is limited merely because the number of women is also limited. Research exists regarding athletic leadership positions and women in general, however, research on Black women in athletic leadership roles has nearly been non-existent. There is an alarmingly low number of Black women in athletic leadership positions for institutions at the Division I level.

The purpose of this qualitative, phenomenological study was to investigate the lived experiences of Black women who pursued athletic leadership roles and how their perception of intersectionality may or may not have supported their role within the organization. The concept of intersectionality framework was used to explore the influence of gendered racism on Black women seeking athletic leadership roles. Critical Race Theory was also used in conjunction with intersectionality to allow for a deeper understanding of the continued social structures that continue to dominate and oppress marginalized groups. The population for this study consisted of 10 Black women at the NCAA Division I level who were in various athletic leadership positions. Data collection was conducted through in-depth interviews with the participants and analyzed by the NVivo software program. The results of this study indicate that even after Title IX was enacted, Black women are still underrepresented in athletic leadership roles at the DI level. Four themes emerged from the study, concluding that Black women need the following: mentors who resemble them, professional development, networking community, and more confidence. Future research should focus on the exploration of sexism in intercollegiate sports as well as gain an understanding of intersectionality to grasp the experience of Black women’s hunt for athletic leadership roles. The perception of how males and other races identify leadership roles within intercollegiate sports should also be investigated.

Alternate abstract:

The literature existing for Black women in athletic leadership roles is limited merely because the number of women is also limited. Research exists regarding athletic leadership positions and women in general, however, research on Black women in athletic leadership roles has nearly been non-existent. There is an alarmingly low number of Black women in athletic leadership positions for institutions at the Division I level.

The purpose of this qualitative, phenomenological study was to investigate the lived experiences of Black women who pursued athletic leadership roles and how their perception of intersectionality may or may not have supported their role within the organization. The concept of intersectionality framework was used to explore the influence of gendered racism on Black women seeking athletic leadership roles. Critical Race Theory was also used in conjunction with intersectionality to allow for a deeper understanding of the continued social structures that continue to dominate and oppress marginalized groups. The population for this study consisted of 10 Black women at the NCAA Division I level who were in various athletic leadership positions. Data collection was conducted through in-depth interviews with the participants and analyzed by the NVivo software program. The results of this study indicate that even after Title IX was enacted, Black women are still underrepresented in athletic leadership roles at the DI level. Four themes emerged from the study, concluding that Black women need the following: mentors who resemble them, professional development, networking community, and more confidence. Future research should focus on the exploration of sexism in intercollegiate sports as well as gain an understanding of intersectionality to grasp the experience of Black women’s hunt for athletic leadership roles. The perception of how males and other races identify leadership roles within intercollegiate sports should also be investigated.