Master of Arts in Media and Communication Plan II Graduate Projects

Abstract

Although Black women are an important part of the U.S. workforce, they continue to experience discrimination at the workplace. Prior research has examined Black women workers’ resilience and strength (e.g., Allen, 2020; Ross et al., 2020; Woods-Giscombe et al., 2023). Researchers also have explored different types of institutional and interpersonal discrimination that have harmed Black women---especially those with white collar jobs (e.g., Bloch et al., 2021; Patton, 2010; Weiner et al., 2019). However, more research is needed on how discrimination at blue-collar workplaces can affect Black women’s intrapersonal communication, self-concept, and co-cultural communication. In this project, I explore the intersectional oppressive structures Black women face in the workplace and how they respond using different communication approaches. I use a Black feminist autoethnographic approach to collect and analyze my data. Drawing from co-cultural theory (Orbe & Roberts, 2012) and dominant group theory (Razzante, 2018), I aim to identify the types of discrimination I experienced at a blue-collar workplace, how the interpersonal messages received from dominant group members affected my intrapersonal communication and self-concept, and what communication approaches I utilized to respond to or resist the oppressive messages I received. Findings from this research project provide further support for and extend co-cultural theory and dominant group theory. In addition, I provide recommendations for improving workplace policies and interpersonal communication in ways that support Black women and affirm intersectional identities.

Publication Date

Summer 8-1-2025

Document Type

Plan II Graduate Project

Committee Chair

Dr. Lisa K. Hanasono

Committee Member

Dr. Sandra L. Faulkner

Committee Member

Dr. John P. Dowd

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