Department of Conflict Resolution Studies Theses and Dissertations

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Date of Award

2025

Document Type

Dissertation - NSU Access Only

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy

Department

Halmos College of Arts and Sciences - Department of Conflict Resolution Studies

First Advisor

Alexia Georgakopoulos

Second Advisor

Urszula Strawinska-Zanko

Third Advisor

Elena Bastidas

Keywords

belonging, bias, black women physicians, conflict analysis and resolution, emotional labor, equity, faith-based strength, institutional betrayal, intersectionality, lived experiences, medical workplace, microaggressions, phenomenological study, phenomenology, professional identity, professional isolation, race and gender, resilience, resilience, semi-structured interviews, structural conflict, structural inequities, systemic change, workplace conflict

Abstract

This phenomenological study explored the lived experiences of twenty Black womenphysicians navigating conflict, identity, and belonging in the medical workplace. Guided by Moustakas’ (1994) framework and framed by intersectionality theory (Crenshaw, 1989; Collins, 2000), the study examined how race, gender, and profession intersect to shape workplace realities. Semi-structured interviews were analyzed through systematic phenomenological steps to uncover thirteen themes reflecting both personal and structural forms of conflict. Findings revealed persistent bias, microaggressions, and structural inequities that questioned credibility and limited advancement. Participants described emotional labor, professional isolation, and institutional betrayal, yet also demonstrated resilience, purpose, and faith-based strength. Phenomenology illuminated the essence of their experiences, while intersectionality revealed how overlapping identities magnified inequity but also inspired transformation. This research contributes to Conflict Analysis and Resolution by framing workplace bias as structural conflict requiring empathy, awareness, and systemic change. It broadens understanding of professional identity, equity, and resilience, showing that meaningful resolution begins with acknowledging and humanizing the lived experiences of those most affected by exclusion.

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