Date
5-22-2024
Department
School of Behavioral Sciences
Degree
Doctor of Education in Community Care and Counseling (EdD)
Chair
Mollie Boyd
Keywords
Black female entrepreneurs, entrepreneurship, impostor syndrome, gender stereotypes, societal pressures, decision-making process, business performance
Disciplines
Social and Behavioral Sciences
Recommended Citation
Phillip, Marlene Bernadine, "The Role of Gender Stereotypes and Societal Pressures in Creating Impostor Syndrome in Black Female Entrepreneurs" (2024). Doctoral Dissertations and Projects. 5600.
https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/doctoral/5600
Abstract
The purpose of this phenomenological study was to describe the role of gender stereotypes and societal expectations in creating impostor syndrome among Black female entrepreneurs. The study used Bandura’s self-efficacy theory as a foundational framework. Gender role theory was employed to examine the psychological and behavioral traits associated with different genders based on societal norms. Social role theory contributed to shaping the theoretical framework of this study. The research answered three key questions: (a) How do the lived experiences of Black female entrepreneurs affected by impostor syndrome impact their business decision-making and overall business performance? (b) To what extent do gender stereotypes and societal pressures contribute to the development of impostor feelings among Black female entrepreneurs? and (c) What coping mechanisms or strategies do Black female entrepreneurs employ to manage or eliminate impostor syndrome? Data collection involved open-ended, semistructured, online, one-on-one interviews. The study revealed that Black female entrepreneurs often face significant challenges in navigating impostor syndrome, which profoundly impacts their decision-making processes and business performance. Future research should explore the efficacy of specific coping mechanisms in mitigating impostor syndrome among Black female entrepreneurs, as well as examine the intersectionality of race, gender, and other identities in shaping experiences of impostor syndrome. Additionally, longitudinal studies are needed to assess the long-term impact of impostor syndrome on business outcomes and identify effective intervention strategies to support Black female entrepreneurs in overcoming impostor feelings and achieving success in their ventures.
