Negotiated spaces: black women academics’ experiences in UK universities

Abstract

A dearth of literature exists on Black women academics’ experience in UK universities. This lacunae in research mirrors the lived experiences of many Black women academics: feeling silenced whilst simultaneously experiencing the strain of hypervisibility in their academic roles. Within the global landscape, influencing factors have been highlighted relating to pay disparities between Black women and their white counterparts, experiences of covert gendered racism, microaggressions and the absence of support from universities in relation to progression and development opportunities. The frequency of toxic work cultures and systemic racism within universities is evidenced in the lack of representation of Black women in senior leadership positions in the UK. Where representation is found, this paper presents evidence that Black women academics tend to be working within insecure contracts and/or at universities that do not prioritise and allocate time for research and promotion-rich activity. For Black women academics who do survive and thrive in the sector, there is the identification of the importance of internal and external networks which offer safety, support and solidarity. Nonetheless, these networks alone are not enough, with an analysis of groups outside of Black women able to gain access to these networks, rendering Black women’s space to share their experiences unsafe and potentially violent. In recognition of a move from an approach of an analysis of literature being left as a standalone point for reflection, this paper provides a review and several points for action for the higher education sector. These action points can be utilised by universities to develop and implement equitable strategies and policies for Black women academics and racially minoritised staff, more broadly.