Browsing by Author "Sharples, Rebecca L., 1980-"

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A young woman of color’s transnational lived experiences through an intersectional feminist lens : a qualitative narrative inquiry.
(2023-08) Sharples, Rebecca L., 1980-; Sloan, Amy M.
Women in patriarchal societies, especially women of color and young girls, do not experience the same equity as men, regardless of men’s race. Societies expect women to conform to traditional gender roles despite any career aspirations they may have. Women continue to lag men by significant margins in several professional fields. Young females are less likely to envision futures for themselves in male-dominated fields or leadership roles when they do not see other women in those roles. Using the theory of intersectional feminism, this qualitative narrative inquiry study explored the lived experiences of one woman of color, Suzanna Gardner, from the time when she was a young girl through her early adulthood. This study examined how she navigated living in three patriarchal societies and the opportunities she experienced that allowed her to thrive in a male-dominated society as a young woman of color. This narrative inquiry focused on Suzanna’s gender, race, and age as contributing factors to how she experienced the obstacles and the opportunities that she encountered during her life within the patriarchal constructs that surrounded her. Suzanna’s distrust of men, her motivation to defy patriarchal norms, and her need to push herself beyond her limits resulted from the patriarchal confines she experienced. Suzanna’s close relationships, her participation in judo, and her internal determination allowed her to experience success despite the inequities she faced. Women of color and young girls comprise the vast majority of women worldwide but make up only a small portion of workers in many male-dominated disciplines. Society misses out on innovation, research, and contributions from a significant percentage of the population when women of color and young girls experience gender, race, and age-based discrimination. This study emphasized the need to create opportunities for women of color and young girls in patriarchal societies, and hereby contributes to the progression of women’s rights around the world.