The Black Religious Woman’s Corporate Survival: An Independent Study of Race, Gender, Religion, and the Superwoman Schema

Abstract

Black religious women have a unique position within corporate America in comparison to their counterparts. As minorities, they face many significant challenges, such as financial setbacks, underrepresentation, microaggressions, limited advocacy, and limited professional resources, which contribute to stunted or delayed professional growth. One of the primary areas of stunted or delayed growth is leadership. Yet, the drive to survive and succeed still exists and oftentimes manifests itself in the Superwoman Schema. While the Superwoman Schema can be applicable to all Black women, Black religious women are more likely to exhibit traits of the Superwoman Schema in a corporate setting due to their religious values. Thus, the focus of this research is the position and fight for survival of Black religious women in corporate America. This includes defining and identifying how the Superwoman Schema can impact how Black religious women navigate corporate spaces. Using Black feminist theory and secondary research, this literature-based research aims to centralize the modern-day Black religious woman’s corporate experience and what it looks like amidst the COVID-19 pandemic and increasing racial tensions. A 2012 study conducted by The Washington Post has revealed that Black women tend to be more religious than their racial and gender counterparts (Labbé-DeBose, 2012), which makes them more susceptible to isolation from company norms. Their susceptibility can hinder professional development and leadership opportunities. Although the Superwoman Schema is motivated by a sense of duty, it can provide Black religious women with a chance to channel defense mechanisms in a space where they are outnumbered and limited by fostering an attitude of independence.