Necessary, yet mistreated: the lived experiences of black women essential workers in dual pandemics of racism and COVID-19

Rachel W. Goode, Kevan Schultz, David Halpern, Sarah Godoy, Trenette Clark Goings, Mimi Chapman

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has showcased the United States’ reliance on essential workers, or those deemed necessary to continue critical societal functions. Black women remain overrepresented in essential positions and are on the frontlines of two pandemics: COVID-19 and racism. Using a phenomenological research design, we conducted semi-structured interviews to examine the experiences of 22 Black women essential workers navigating these dual pandemics. Salient themes of these experiences included: desire to and fear of protest; navigating extreme emotions; mixed levels of understanding from colleagues; and a rise in blatantly racist confrontations in the workplace. Further reflection is needed to understand the complex dynamics these women faced.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)263-274
Number of pages12
JournalJournal of Ethnic and Cultural Diversity in Social Work
Volume31
Issue number3-5
DOIs
StatePublished - 2022

Keywords

  • African American women
  • COVID-19
  • phenomenological qualitative research
  • racism

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Health(social science)
  • Education

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Necessary, yet mistreated: the lived experiences of black women essential workers in dual pandemics of racism and COVID-19'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this