Babygirl, You've Got This!: Experiences of Black Girls and Women in the English Education System

This book explores the educational experiences and journeys of Black British women graduates, highlighting the influence of race, gender, ethnicity, culture, and social class on their educational paths. It combines theoretical frameworks with personal accounts to provide insights into navigating the education system effectively and offers alternatives to normalized understandings of educational success.

Format: Hardback
Length: 304 pages
Publication date: 22 February 2024
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

In the realm of British educational research, the experiences of Black women have often been overlooked, with studies often focusing on male-dominated or American-centric perspectives. As a result, there is limited knowledge about how Black female students understand and engage with the education system, as well as the factors that shape their long-term strategies and decision-making processes in pursuit of educational success. This book aims to shed light on the educational experiences and journeys of Black British women graduates, exploring the intricate interplay of race, gender, ethnicity, culture, and social class that shapes their educational paths.

April-Louise Pennant, in her unique contribution, meticulously documents the entire educational journey, spanning from primary school to university, within both predominantly white (PW) and predominantly global majority (PGM) educational institutions. By doing so, she uncovers the various accessibility, financial, and academic hurdles that Black girls and women face in their educational pursuits. The book combines theoretical frameworks such as Critical Race Theory, Bourdieu's Theory of Practice, and Black Feminist epistemology, alongside the personal accounts of the author and a diverse range of Black British women graduates. Through an in-depth analysis of the strategies, choices, and decisions made by Black British women in their educational journeys, the book offers valuable insights into effective navigation within the education system and provides alternative perspectives on what constitutes educational success.

One of the key findings of the book is the recognition of the intersectionality of race, gender, ethnicity, culture, and social class as significant factors that shape Black British women's educational experiences. Pennant highlights how these intersections create unique barriers and challenges that are often overlooked in mainstream educational discourse. For instance, Black women may face double marginalization due to their race and gender, leading to heightened experiences of discrimination and marginalization within the education system. Moreover, the book emphasizes the importance of recognizing the cultural nuances and specific experiences of Black British women, as they may come from diverse backgrounds and have unique perspectives on education and its role in their lives.

Another significant aspect of the book is its exploration of the personal accounts of Black British women graduates. These accounts provide a deep insight into the experiences, struggles, and triumphs that these women have faced throughout their educational journeys. The stories shared by the graduates offer a powerful testament to the resilience and determination of Black women in pursuing higher education. They highlight the importance of support networks, mentors, and role models who have played a crucial role in their success. Additionally, the book sheds light on the challenges faced by Black British women in accessing higher education, including financial barriers, systemic racism, and cultural stereotypes.

Through its comprehensive analysis, the book provides valuable insights into how to navigate the education system effectively and promote equity for Black British women. It advocates for policies and practices that address the systemic inequalities and barriers that Black women face in education. It also encourages educators and policymakers to recognize the unique needs and experiences of Black female students and to work towards creating inclusive and supportive learning environments.

In conclusion, this book is a groundbreaking contribution to the field of educational research, offering a comprehensive and intersectional analysis of the educational experiences and journeys of Black British women graduates. By highlighting the unique barriers and challenges faced by Black women in education, the book provides valuable insights into how to promote equity and create inclusive learning environments for all students. It is a must-read for educators, policymakers, and anyone interested in understanding the complexities of race, gender, and ethnicity in education and their impact on educational outcomes.

Weight: 324g
Dimension: 216 x 138 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781350279001