Authors :
Courtney Heatherton Blackledge
Volume/Issue :
Volume 10 - 2025, Issue 12 - December
Google Scholar :
https://tinyurl.com/3pn867yy
Scribd :
https://tinyurl.com/4kexdxdz
DOI :
https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/25dec710
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Abstract :
Intersectionality Theory provides a basis for understanding the influence of overlapping social identities, including
race and gender, in creating distinctive experiences of disadvantage and discrimination. The objective of this paper is to review
how the Intersectionality Theory explains the difference in experiences between Black female principals and their male
counterparts within schools in the United States. This has been analyzed through three significant case studies, which reveal the
challenges experienced by Black female principals working at the forefront of institutional hierarchies and with a high level of
complexity. The paper further discusses the implications of intervention and leadership procedures regarding the experiences
of Black female principals for the future in terms of policy and actions. Trends and potential changes have been identified,
including legislative interventions and comprehensive policies to support Black female principals. Lastly, recommendations were
provided based on research to address broader fields of interests that can inform management regarding policies and
approaches to improve schools for Black female principals.
Keywords :
Feminist Theory, Standpoint Theory, Critical Race Theory, Intersectionality Theory.
References :
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- Annual Review of Law and Social Science, 15(1), 247–265. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-lawsocsci-101518-042942
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- Bennett, N. A. (2024). A narrative study of intersectionality and the lived experiences of Black woman superintendents. Search.Proquest.Com. https://search.proquest.com/openview/921b4c3f327eec4e83fe8244e00e69f5/1?pq-origsite=gscholar&cbl=18750&diss=y
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- Cheng, A., Coady, E., & Maranto, R. (2023). The roles of Black women principals: evidence from two national surveys. Frontiers in Education, 8. https://doi.org/10.3389/feduc.2023.1138617
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- Fuller, E., Hollingworth, L., & An, B. P. (2019a). Exploring intersectionality and the employment of school leaders. Journal of Educational Administration, 57(2), 134–151. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1108/JEA-07-2018-0133
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- Jang, S. T., & Alexander, N. A. (2022). Black women principals in American secondary schools: Quantitative evidence of the link between their leadership and student achievement. Journals.Sagepub.Com, 58(3), 450–486. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1177/0013161X211068415
- Johnson, N. N., & Fournillier, J. B. (2021a). Intersectionality and leadership in context: Examining the intricate paths of four Black women in educational leadership in the United States. International Journal of Leadership in Education, 26(2), 296–317. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1080/13603124.2020.1818132
- Johnson, N. N., & Fournillier, J. B. (2021b). Intersectionality and leadership in context: Examining the intricate paths of four Black women in educational leadership in the United States. International Journal of Leadership in Education, 26(2), 296–317. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1080/13603124.2020.1818132
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Intersectionality Theory provides a basis for understanding the influence of overlapping social identities, including
race and gender, in creating distinctive experiences of disadvantage and discrimination. The objective of this paper is to review
how the Intersectionality Theory explains the difference in experiences between Black female principals and their male
counterparts within schools in the United States. This has been analyzed through three significant case studies, which reveal the
challenges experienced by Black female principals working at the forefront of institutional hierarchies and with a high level of
complexity. The paper further discusses the implications of intervention and leadership procedures regarding the experiences
of Black female principals for the future in terms of policy and actions. Trends and potential changes have been identified,
including legislative interventions and comprehensive policies to support Black female principals. Lastly, recommendations were
provided based on research to address broader fields of interests that can inform management regarding policies and
approaches to improve schools for Black female principals.
Keywords :
Feminist Theory, Standpoint Theory, Critical Race Theory, Intersectionality Theory.