Date of Award

2023

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Department

Education

Abstract

This qualitative study examined how the conforming pressures related to physical appearance influenced the career experiences of senior-level Black women administrators in higher education. Employing a phenomenological approach, the research utilized semi-structured interviews and document analysis to delve into the participants' lived experiences. The study involved seven participants who shared their narratives spanning from the early stages of their higher education careers to their current senior-level roles within institutions of higher education. The nine core themes were physical appearance influences, conforming pressures related to physical appearance, always overdressed, guidance from supervisors, intersectionality, impression management, mindset of physical appearance at the senior level, serve as a role model for Black women, and the role of physical appearance on career experiences. The results of this study reveal that intersectionality, impression management, coping strategies, and the sources of conforming pressures contributed to the conforming pressures of physical appearance on the career experiences of senior-level Black women administrators in higher education. This research holds crucial implications for Black women aspiring to leadership roles in higher education, offering insights into how their appearance could impact career advancement and hiring prospects. It also equips hiring managers with awareness of appearance-related biases, promoting fairer recruitment practices. By centering on Black women's lived experiences, the study underscores the importance of fostering environments where authenticity can thrive amidst potential conscious or unconscious biases.

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