Stereotype threat: the case of black males in the IT profession

Abstract

An interview-based investigation of Black males was conducted to identify how individual identity, individual influences and environmental influences affect the academic pipeline for Black male students. Semi-structured interviews, informed by the Individual Differences Theory of Gender and IT, were conducted with Black males at a Predominately White Institution (PWI) and Historically Black College and University (HBCU) regarding the presence of stereotypes and how they may have combated these barriers. The results revealed that stereotypes and stereotype threat are prevalent among Black males pursuing IT careers and influence self-efficacy, identity, the academic environment and career choice