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Inclusive Museums? An Exploration of the Inclusivity of the LGBTQ+ Community in Informal STEM Learning Environments

Tuttle Parsons, Jennifer R.
http://orcid.org/0000-0002-8749-3412
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ohiou166697961659767

Abstract Details

2022, Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Ohio University, Instructional Technology (Education).
This qualitative case study explores how the LGBTQ+ community is included in informal STEM learning environments (ISLEs) such as museums and science centers. One science center was chosen as a case study to identify how ISLEs may broaden participation to the LGBTQ+ community, how institutional stance impacts LGBTQ+ community members, and how the systemic power structures of ISLEs affect inclusive practices. Through semi-structured interviews, exhibit and signage audits, and document analyses, the researcher examines how practices and policies welcome or exclude diverse identities in informal STEM education (ISE) by adapting Dawson’s (2014a) equity and access framework. Findings from this analysis include a need to remove barriers to broaden LGBTQ+ participation; to implement policies and procedures to improve institutional stance towards the LGBTQ+ community; to increase queer representation in ISLEs; and to acknowledge LGBTQ+ individuals as agents of social change.
Greg Kessler (Committee Chair)
Jesse Strycker (Committee Member)
Krisanna Machtmes (Committee Member)
Susan Burgess (Committee Member)
200 p.
Education; Gender Studies; Glbt Studies; Museums; Science Education
informal STEM education; informal STEM learning environments; LGBTQ+; LGBTQIA+; museum; science center; institutional stance; diversity, equity, accessibility, inclusion; DEAI; queer

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Tuttle Parsons, J. R. (2022). Inclusive Museums? An Exploration of the Inclusivity of the LGBTQ+ Community in Informal STEM Learning Environments [Doctoral dissertation, Ohio University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ohiou166697961659767

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Tuttle Parsons, Jennifer. Inclusive Museums? An Exploration of the Inclusivity of the LGBTQ+ Community in Informal STEM Learning Environments. 2022. Ohio University, Doctoral dissertation. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ohiou166697961659767.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Tuttle Parsons, Jennifer. "Inclusive Museums? An Exploration of the Inclusivity of the LGBTQ+ Community in Informal STEM Learning Environments." Doctoral dissertation, Ohio University, 2022. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ohiou166697961659767

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

ohiou166697961659767
171
© 2022, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by Ohio University and OhioLINK.