Intersectionality and Academic Journeys: Reflections on the Experience of Black Women at USP

Abstract

This work aims to investigate the experiences of Black female undergraduate students at the University of São Paulo (USP) to understand the challenges, achievements, and coping mechanisms related to their integration and persistence in the university. It highlights how their experiences of exclusion and belonging are shaped by the intersection of race, gender, and class. Through interviews conducted with Black female undergraduate students at USP, I seek to understand the adversities these students face in the academic environment, how they navigate these challenges, and how these experiences intersect with other dimensions of their lives, subjectivities, and identities. On one hand, I explore how experiences of racial discrimination, sexism, and other forms of inequality are perceived in their trajectories. On the other hand, I reflect on how participation in identity-based collectives and student organizations influences the construction of the identity and subjectivity of Black women at the university. Additionally, I examine the emotional impact of marginalization and how support networks and representation contribute to the resilience and retention of these students, elucidating the dynamics that influence their academic and personal lives.