Examining Hair Choices of Black Women in Academia
Document Type
Book Chapter
Publication Title
The Emerald Handbook of Appearance in the Workplace
Abstract
Based on literature providing evidence that Afrocentric hairstyles (e.g. afros, braids, dreadlocks) of Black women working in professional settings are often associated with negative stereotypes and biases regarding competency and professionalism, this chapter examines the extent to which these biases may be influencing the hairstyle choices of Black women employed in higher education. While academic workplaces tend to be more flexible and informal than non-academic settings, we found many Black women in higher education are, nonetheless, choosing to wear Eurocentric hairstyles. However, choice of hairstyle was influenced by academic discipline, type of institution and level in the university hierarchy.
DOI
10.1108/978-1-80071-174-720230004
Publication Date
11-2023
Recommended Citation
Karl, Katherine A.; Peluchette, Joy V.; and Dawson, Gail, "Examining Hair Choices of Black Women in Academia" (2023). Faculty Scholarship. 562.
https://digitalcommons.lindenwood.edu/faculty-research-papers/562