Beyond Visibility: Pathways, Perceptions, and Experiences in Underrepresented Careers
Faculty Mentor Name
Jennifer Medel
Research or Creativity Area
Social Sciences
Abstract
This independent study explores the societal importance of underrepresented careers in distinct fields by comparing them to those that are widely recognized such as teachers, EMTs, and firefighters. Although these careers are well recognized and often looked at with high societal value and prestige, there are a substantial number of lesser known professions that play a pivotal role in the functioning and overall stability of society. A qualitative research design was used in this study through the use of shadowing, interviewing, and documentation of societal contributions within both underrepresented careers and well-known. The pool of participating careers covered a vast array of diversity due to their direct involvement with public service, environmental work, and/or community based roles. The data collected focuses on both visible and invisible contributions to the public along with a personal perspective of the professionals shadowed and/or interviewed. The findings are then analyzed through a functionalist perspective and the lens of Cooley’s looking-glass self to capture how these underrepresented roles serve a greater role than what they are recognized for. Overall, this study underscores the complexity and necessity of underrepresented careers while demonstrating that societal recognition does not always align with actual contribution.
Beyond Visibility: Pathways, Perceptions, and Experiences in Underrepresented Careers
This independent study explores the societal importance of underrepresented careers in distinct fields by comparing them to those that are widely recognized such as teachers, EMTs, and firefighters. Although these careers are well recognized and often looked at with high societal value and prestige, there are a substantial number of lesser known professions that play a pivotal role in the functioning and overall stability of society. A qualitative research design was used in this study through the use of shadowing, interviewing, and documentation of societal contributions within both underrepresented careers and well-known. The pool of participating careers covered a vast array of diversity due to their direct involvement with public service, environmental work, and/or community based roles. The data collected focuses on both visible and invisible contributions to the public along with a personal perspective of the professionals shadowed and/or interviewed. The findings are then analyzed through a functionalist perspective and the lens of Cooley’s looking-glass self to capture how these underrepresented roles serve a greater role than what they are recognized for. Overall, this study underscores the complexity and necessity of underrepresented careers while demonstrating that societal recognition does not always align with actual contribution.
