A phenomenological study of working class Black women's lived experiences with race and gender stereotypes in the workplace

The purpose of this study was to understand the phenomenological experiences of working class Black women with race and gender stereotypes in the workplace. A comprehensive review of the existing literature reflected a void in the inclusion of working class Black women's lived experiences with race and gender stereotypes in the workplace. Thus, this study sought to fill a gap in the counseling literature by using a phenomenological research design with a Womanist theoretical framework to examine the lived experiences of working class Black women with race and gender stereotypes in the workplace.From a sample of 12 Black women, data collection included demographic questionnaires and 60-90 minute video-recorded interviews during which participants were asked semi-structured questions about their experiences with race and gender stereotypes in the workplace. Methods consistent with phenomenological inquiry were used for data analysis (Moustakas, 1994). The data revealed three major themes related to experiences of race and gender stereotypes at work: a) cheap and disposable labor, b) unjustified changes in work status, and c) perspective shifting. Results from this study provide implications for counselor practice, counselor education, and recommendations for future research.