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Full text release has been delayed at the author's request until March 23, 2028

ETD Abstract Container

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We Still Believe: Black Mothers, Faith, and the Graduate School Experience

Calhoun, Katrina A
http://orcid.org/0009-0002-3620-1421
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=miami1679942898501358

Abstract Details

2023, Doctor of Philosophy, Miami University, Educational Leadership.
This study centers on the experiences of Black mothers in graduate school by taking an anti-deficit approach to examining Black mothers' use of faith. Specifically, this study seeks to understand how faith operates in the lives of Black mothers as they encounter intersecting systems of oppression while pursuing graduate education. Faith is essential to many Black women’s lives (Mattis, 2017; Pew Research Center, 2020). However, research remains limited regarding Black graduate students and faith (Travers & Gatson, 2021), but even more so for Black student mothers. The study addresses this research gap at the intersection of Black womanhood, parental status, and religious-spiritual identity. The study utilized a qualitative approach and was guided by Parks’ Theory of Faith Development and womanism. Eight participants were selected using snowball sampling from multiple universities across the United States. The participants self-identified as Black or African American, doctoral students, mothers, and Christians. Methodology and methods included using narrative inquiry to center Black student mothers’ experiences in higher education by engaging in reflective journaling, a focus group, and individual interviews. The findings indicate that Black student mothers encounter multiple institutional barriers such as a lack of childcare, unsupportive faculty, and microaggressions in regard to race, class, age, and parental status. The findings also indicate the ways Black mothers define, conceptualize, and embody faith to navigate the complexities of graduate school. The discussion outlines the foundation of a new theoretical framework- the Black Women’s Conceptualization of Faith framework (BWCFF) and various culturally relevant approaches to create inclusive environments and foster student success for Black student mothers. Implications for practice include practical advice for institutional responsibility, including providing safe spaces, centering marginalized mothers in institutional diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, honoring their perspectives and ability to advocate for their needs, and providing resources, such as funding for childcare, support programs, and pathways for mentorship.
Elisa Abes (Committee Chair)
168 p.
Adult Education; African American Studies; Higher Education; Higher Education Administration; Spirituality; Womens Studies
Faith, Black Mothers, Higher Education, the Black Women’s Conceptualization of Faith framework (BWCFF), Religion, Spirituality, Womanism, Motherhood, Systemic Barriers

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Calhoun, K. A. (2023). We Still Believe: Black Mothers, Faith, and the Graduate School Experience [Doctoral dissertation, Miami University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=miami1679942898501358

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Calhoun, Katrina. We Still Believe: Black Mothers, Faith, and the Graduate School Experience. 2023. Miami University, Doctoral dissertation. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=miami1679942898501358.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Calhoun, Katrina. "We Still Believe: Black Mothers, Faith, and the Graduate School Experience." Doctoral dissertation, Miami University, 2023. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=miami1679942898501358

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

miami1679942898501358
© 2023, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by Miami University and OhioLINK.