The Ivory Tower: Perspectives of Women of Color in Higher Education

The Ivory Tower: Perspectives of Women of Color in Higher Education is a book that highlights the voices of women of color in academia and emphasizes the importance of hearing and understanding their firsthand accounts to promote their recruitment, retention, and success. It also highlights critical themes such as establishing boundaries, recognizing the value of mentorship, becoming resilient, and acknowledging one's identity to respond to race and gender bias.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 230 pages
Publication date: 16 October 2022
Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield

The Ivory Tower: Perspectives of Women of Color in Higher Education is a powerful and essential book that sheds light on the experiences and challenges faced by women of color in academia. By highlighting the voices of these women, the book underscores the importance of recognizing and addressing the obstacles and experiences that they face. When institutions fail to acknowledge these voices, they risk perpetuating systemic barriers to success for women of color.

Hearing and understanding the firsthand accounts of women of color is crucial in promoting their recruitment, retention, and success in higher education. This book provides a platform for these women to share their narratives, allowing us to gain a deeper understanding of their experiences and perspectives.

While it is true that women of color in the academe often face the double-jeopardy of race and gender bias, the chapter authors' personal experiences highlight critical themes that are essential for responding to these biases. These themes include establishing boundaries to promote socio-emotional preservation, recognizing the value of mentorship, becoming resilient during the journey, and acknowledging one's identity to be authentic.

Establishing boundaries is crucial for women of color to protect their well-being and maintain their sense of self. It involves setting clear limits and expectations in relationships and professional settings, and advocating for oneself when necessary. Recognizing the value of mentorship is also essential for women of color, as it provides them with guidance, support, and opportunities for growth. Mentors can help women navigate the challenges of academia, provide valuable insights, and advocate for their interests. Becoming resilient during the journey is another critical theme, as women of color often face numerous obstacles and setbacks. They must develop strategies for coping with stress, managing their time effectively, and maintaining their motivation and confidence. Finally, acknowledging one's identity to be authentic is essential for women of color to thrive in academia. It involves embracing their cultural heritage, values, and experiences, and speaking up about issues that are important to them.

In conclusion, The Ivory Tower: Perspectives of Women of Color in Higher Education is a must-read for anyone interested in promoting diversity and equity in higher education. By highlighting the experiences and perspectives of women of color, the book provides valuable insights and strategies for addressing the barriers and biases that they face. It is a call to action for institutions to recognize the importance of diversity and to take steps to promote it in all aspects of higher education.

Weight: 349g
Dimension: 230 x 151 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781475868241