Absence of role models foreclosed imagining black women as professors.

Evidence

Until the 1960s US racial minorities had only restricted access to higher education (in some states, even to high school) and to professional-track preparation for a scientific career. Moreover, it has been difficult for youngsters in these groups to see themselves as scientists, mathematicians, or engineers, given the absence of relevant role models. Nor have they had access to mentors - white or not - as have their white peers. Furthermore, a community service ethic has tended to direct career choices for racial and ethnic minorities. Given the sciences’ other racist and Eurocentric practices, these fields have not ranked high as enabling service to minority communities. — David Theo Goldberg, John Solomos, A Companion to Racial and Ethnic Studies, 1575 (#exemplifies, via linked claim)

Categorization

• XREF: connects to: Early feminist theory lacked recognition of black women as knowing subjects; Anti-intellectualism and academic exclusion silence Black women from both ends; Missing role models and mentors blocked minority pathways into science careers — David Theo Goldberg, John Solomos, A Companion to Racial and Ethnic Studies, 1575 (+2 more)

Broader Connections

• Missing role models and mentors blocked minority pathways into science careers #exemplifies (0.88) — David Theo Goldberg, John Solomos, A Companion to Racial and Ethnic Studies, 1575
• Segregated education under apartheid left black scholars virtually absent from academia #exemplifies (0.82)
• Early feminist theory lacked recognition of black women as knowing subjects #corroborates (0.78)
• Anti-intellectualism and academic exclusion silence Black women from both ends #expands (0.76)
• Black law professors remain drastically underrepresented on law faculties #corroborates (0.75)