To Code-Switch or Not to Code-Switch: The Psychosocial Ramifications of Being a Resilient Black Female Engineering & Computing Doctoral Student

The objective of this qualitative study was to both examine and understand Black women's educational experiences concerning code-switching while enrolled in their engineering and computing doctoral programs (n=23). Code-switching can be defined as changing or altering how an individual acts or behaves within a particular setting. Utilizing Black Feminist Thought as a theoretical construct to contextualize this study, it was discovered that Black women code-switched because they experienced race and gender bias, encountered negative stereotypes (i.e., the angry Black woman, Black sounding names), as well as a host of other challenges. These reasons were found to lead to anxiety and stress among Black women. To cope with the effects of code-switching, Black female engineers and computer scientists relied on their families and friends for support and mentorship from their advisors to thrive and succeed in their degree programs.