'My Discipline Is Never Going to Survive if It Continues Being the Discipline of Straight White Men': Experiences of LGBQ+ Science Postdoctoral Scholars in Canada
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| Title: | 'My Discipline Is Never Going to Survive if It Continues Being the Discipline of Straight White Men': Experiences of LGBQ+ Science Postdoctoral Scholars in Canada |
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| Language: | English |
| Authors: | Bonardi, Olivia (ORCID |
| Source: | Canadian Journal of Science, Mathematics and Technology Education. 2023 23(2):282-302. |
| Availability: | Springer. Available from: Springer Nature. One New York Plaza, Suite 4600, New York, NY 10004. Tel: 800-777-4643; Tel: 212-460-1500; Fax: 212-460-1700; e-mail: customerservice@springernature.com; Web site: https://link.springer.com/ |
| Peer Reviewed: | Y |
| Page Count: | 21 |
| Publication Date: | 2023 |
| Document Type: | Journal Articles Reports - Research |
| Education Level: | Higher Education Postsecondary Education |
| Descriptors: | Foreign Countries, Postdoctoral Education, Scholarship, LGBTQ People, Sciences, Experience, STEM Careers, STEM Education, Values, Beliefs, Disclosure, Mentors, Persistence |
| Geographic Terms: | Canada |
| DOI: | 10.1007/s42330-023-00275-0 |
| ISSN: | 1492-6156 1942-4051 |
| Abstract: | A small but growing body of research confirms that people in the LGBTQ+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and other identities) community are among those underrepresented in STEM (science, technology engineering, and math). This is concerning because diversity and inclusion improves science for all. In response, Canadian institutions have developed initiatives aimed to address issues in which LGBTQ+ students disproportionately leave STEM fields. LGBTQ+ postdoctoral scholars (postdocs) are of particular interest because they have developed clear professional and LGBTQ+ identities, they are significant contributors to their fields, and they work at the intersection of STEM students and faculty. Studies have highlighted poor job satisfaction and career opportunities for this group. This qualitative study explored the values, beliefs, and experiences of 14 Canadian LGBQ+ postdocs in STEM through semi-structured interviews about coming out, experiences of LGBQ+ mentorship/representation, and their beliefs on staying within science and academia. Interview data was analyzed thematically from a post-structural perspective. Main themes emerged: (1) coming out, (2) representation, and (3) mentorship. This exploratory qualitative study offers insight into how the experiences of this understudied group are helpful in disentangling discourses surrounding coming out, representation, and mentorship for LGBQ+ researchers in STEM. |
| Abstractor: | As Provided |
| Entry Date: | 2023 |
| Accession Number: | EJ1396758 |
| Database: | ERIC |
| Abstract: | A small but growing body of research confirms that people in the LGBTQ+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and other identities) community are among those underrepresented in STEM (science, technology engineering, and math). This is concerning because diversity and inclusion improves science for all. In response, Canadian institutions have developed initiatives aimed to address issues in which LGBTQ+ students disproportionately leave STEM fields. LGBTQ+ postdoctoral scholars (postdocs) are of particular interest because they have developed clear professional and LGBTQ+ identities, they are significant contributors to their fields, and they work at the intersection of STEM students and faculty. Studies have highlighted poor job satisfaction and career opportunities for this group. This qualitative study explored the values, beliefs, and experiences of 14 Canadian LGBQ+ postdocs in STEM through semi-structured interviews about coming out, experiences of LGBQ+ mentorship/representation, and their beliefs on staying within science and academia. Interview data was analyzed thematically from a post-structural perspective. Main themes emerged: (1) coming out, (2) representation, and (3) mentorship. This exploratory qualitative study offers insight into how the experiences of this understudied group are helpful in disentangling discourses surrounding coming out, representation, and mentorship for LGBQ+ researchers in STEM. |
|---|---|
| ISSN: | 1492-6156 1942-4051 |
| DOI: | 10.1007/s42330-023-00275-0 |
