Surviving Micro- and Macro- Aggressions: A South Asian Female’s Experiences as an Educator and Leader in USA

Abstract (English)

The study explores Asian women academics’ challenges within a White-male-oriented academic hierarchy this study. There is presence of South Asian women (SAW) in higher education, but their challenges and voices have often remained silent, or their concerns are ignored. This presentation points out the urgency to show that although SAW is among one of the most educated and qualified segment of American higher education workforce, they are the least likely to arise to a leadership role. Even if they ascend to leadership roles, they are most likely to experience micro- and macro-aggression and prejudice-based treatment. Most South Asian women in higher education are highly qualified immigrants, but their
cultural values and norms differ markedly from the Western values. SAW value academic excellence, hard work, less assertiveness, and show respect for authority, which are all essential for any leaders in collectivist and hierarchical Asian societies (Chen & Cheng-Cimini, 2024). Often, SAW are not selected for leadership roles because individuals who embody the individualistic and assertive styles are prioritized in the U.S.

Theoretical framework
Leaning on critical theories of postmodern era such as feminist theory that advocate for equality and research that starts with one’s own experience (Ellis, 2004), this presentation addresses the power imbalances associated with race and class. Theorizing of micro-aggressions is inseparably linked to the broader structures of power, injustices and inequality (Essed 1991). Winant (2004) stresses that micro-aggression racisms are part of a macro-level system of racialized hegemony whose invisibilities solidify hierarchical structures and consolidate privilege of dominant group.
This presentation uses auto-ethnography methodology (Bakhtin, 1993; Ellis and Bochner 2000: Roth, 2005, 2008) in which the self is active in the productive process that displays multiple layers of consciousness. Auto-ethnography is the most-suited way to present the experiences of my lifeworld, the professional and cultural context that I live and research.
Data sources
The qualitative data consists of reflective thoughts and narrative of the researcher in the professional lifeworld that was influenced by the micro- and macro-aggression. I used my experiences as a SAW leader to gain insights into the larger cultural context of which I was a member. The primary data sources are my self-awareness as a researcher and the researched, and the documentation of my experiences and the evidence of micro-aggression.
Compared to other ethnically/racially minoritized groups, Asian women are invisible in leadership positions. This phenomenon is called the “bamboo ceiling,” where Asians are highly qualified, yet lack representation or success in leadership positions (Hyun, 2005). The ultimate objective is to investigate why the bamboo ceiling happens, construct a collective mechanism to break it, and advocate for Asian women leaders’ career advancement.