Masala and Misogyny: A Qualitative Study of South Asian American Women’s Ethnic-Racial Identity

Hena K. Wadhwa; Neesha Daulat; Christine O’Brien

doi:10.29333/ejecs/2202

Authors

Hena K. Wadhwa https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6778-1655
Neesha Daulat William James College https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8853-6202
Christine O’Brien https://orcid.org/0009-0006-8693-0277

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.29333/ejecs/2202

Keywords:

South Asian American, women, ethnic-racial identity

Abstract

The present study explores the lived experiences of South Asian American women and what elements shape their ethnic-racial identity (ERI). Particularly, it discovers what push and pull factors encourage South Asian American women to lean towards or away from their ERI. This qualitative study used an open-ended survey to gather responses from 38 South Asian American women. Our qualitative study findings suggest that there are diverse elements of South Asian culture that encourage South Asian American women to embrace and/or reject parts of their ERI. Data analysis revealed that cultural aspects are impactful elements (e.g., food, music, community) that sustain South Asian American women’s connection with their ERI. Alternatively, the presence of patriarchy, misogyny, and feeling “othered” are factors that disengage South Asian American women from their ERI. Findings from this study contribute to the ongoing and vital expansion of the discussion of ERI and tap into the nuances of South Asian American women’s ERI.

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Author Biographies

Hena K. Wadhwa

Dr. Hena K. Wadhwa, M.A., M.S. Ph.D. For the past decade, Dr. Wadhwa has worked in domestic and international public health. She completed her doctorate in Sociology and Demography at Florida State University and her master’s degree at Columbia University Teachers College in Curriculum and Teaching: General and Special Education. Her research interests are in public health, South Asian American women’s ethnic-racial identity, women’s health, mental health, and how work organizations can support women of color. Dr. Wadhwa is currently a Health Scientist and is determined to utilize the avenues of research and advocacy to foster diverse perspectives in academic literature.

Neesha Daulat, William James College

Dr. Neesha Daulat, M.Ed, M.A. Ph.D. is an Assistant Professor in the Organizational and Leadership Psychology Department at William James College, where she teaches organizational diagnosis and statistics while overseeing departmental research activities. Her research focuses on South Asian American ethnic-racial identities and teacher well-being. She holds a Ph.D. in Positive Organizational Psychology from Claremont Graduate University and an M.Ed. from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.

Christine O’Brien

Dr. Christine O’Brien, M.A., Psy.D. brings a decade of strategic marketing experience across global companies and startups to her work as a leadership psychologist. She holds a doctorate in Leadership Psychology and master's in Organizational Psychology from William James College, along with a Coaching for Transformation certificate from Leadership that Works (NYC). Her research focuses on the future of entrepreneurship, inclusion and belonging, and organizational change models for sustainable growth. She specializes in both individual coaching and organizational interventions to support transformative change.

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