Suntosh Kaur's decision to study a PhD was rooted in her unique intersection of experiences as a woman of colour, a Sikh woman of Indian heritage, from a working-class background, born and raised in Hackney, London.
Suntosh secured a Race in Focus PhD studentship, funded by the Global Race Centre for Equality (GRACE), after the University pledged around £280,000 to fund research into racial inequalities within Higher Education in 2020. The research aims to explore and comprehend the lived experiences of Asian and Black women academics within higher education institutions (HEIs). There is a focus on the intersections of race, gender/sex and identity and understanding the influence of HEIs on these women.
Theoretical frameworks are used as an approach to inform the research. The research draws upon the Critical Race Theory (CRT) which incorporates the intersectionality lenses to understand the complex experiences of Asian and Black women academics in HEIs. Also, the study uses a qualitative methodology by taking the Dialogical Narrative Analysis (DNA) approach.
The research has numerous aims, such as, to analyse the obstacles and challenges that hinder the progression of Asian and Black women within HEIs. Another aim is to understand the significant contributions made by Asian and Black women academics in advancing race equality or anti-racism efforts within their respective fields. The research also aims to develop theoretical frameworks, thematic insights, and policy recommendations for HEIs. This will produce guidelines to mitigate the potential effects of institutional racism.
"Solutions involve mentorship, amplifying voices, and institutional acknowledgment to address systemic inequalities."
— Suntosh Kaur, PhD student
Summing up a key research objective, Suntosh explained: “The research will strive to inform best practices that foster a more inclusive and supportive environment for Asian and Black women academics.”
A pilot study which consisted of six qualitative online interviews explored Asian and Black women’s academic journey, environment, cultural aspects. As well as, their experiences of racism, gender and class.
Preliminary findings revealed challenges include recruitment bias, discrimination, and ageism. Imposter syndrome and racial pressures exacerbate their experiences. Concerns persist about HEIs stifling their voices, hindering progress against discrimination.
Talking about possible solutions, Suntosh shared: “Solutions involve mentorship, amplifying voices, and institutional acknowledgment to address systemic inequalities.”
"The originality of this research lies in its focus on the intersectional experiences of Asian and Black women academics within HEIs. By centring their voices and experiences, the research offers new insights into how racism and gender discrimination manifest within academic spaces."
— Suntosh Kaur, PhD student
When asked about her next steps, Suntosh said: “Having recently passed the transfer stage from MPhil to PhD phase in June 2024, the next stage of this research is to continue with the data collection (interviews and focus groups) followed by the write up stage.”
Reflecting on her research, Suntosh commented: “The originality of this research lies in its focus on the intersectional experiences of Asian and Black women academics within HEIs. By centring their voices and experiences, the research offers new insights into how racism and gender discrimination manifest within academic spaces. This will contribute to a deeper understanding of the structural inequalities present within academia and highlight the importance of addressing these issues to create more inclusive and equitable environments for all academics.”
She continued: “This can inform more targeted interventions and policy changes aimed at addressing the specific needs and challenges faced by Asian and Black women academics. Ultimately, working towards creating more just and equitable academic spaces.”
