Ableism in the academic trajectories of Black disabled women: an intersectional analysis

Authors

  • Marivete Gesser Associate Professor of Psychology Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis/SC, Brazil
  • Valéria Aydos Assistant Professor of Anthropology Federal University of Pampa, Uruguaiana/RS, Brazil
  • Pamela Block Full Professor of Anthropology Western University: London/ON, Canada
  • Alice Steele Santos Escada Bachelor of Psychology Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis/SC, Brazil

Keywords:

Ableism, Disability, Intersectionality, Higher Education

Abstract

This paper aims to examine the implications of the intersection between ableism, sexism, and racism in the academic trajectories of Black disabled women in Brazil. The information was obtained through a sociodemographic survey form and in-depth interviews with 12 Black disabled women, which were analyzed through narrative analysis. The results showed that the intersection between ableism, sexism, and racism led to the perception of participants as less capable and a lack of recognition for those with invisible disabilities. This context has led many to adopt strategies to mask their disabilities, racial identities, and, depending on the area of training, characteristics socially associated with women as a strategy to address ableism and other oppressive systems present in the university environment. The study showed the need for universities to build their practices assuming the presence of disability and consider this experience intersectional. In addition, it emphasizes the importance of incorporating the theme of disability in initial and continuing education and academic research agendas.

Author Biographies

Marivete Gesser, Associate Professor of Psychology Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis/SC, Brazil

Associate Professor of Psychology

Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis/SC, Brazil

Valéria Aydos, Assistant Professor of Anthropology Federal University of Pampa, Uruguaiana/RS, Brazil

Assistant Professor of Anthropology

Federal University of Pampa, Uruguaiana/RS, Brazil

Pamela Block, Full Professor of Anthropology Western University: London/ON, Canada

Full Professor of Anthropology

Western University: London/ON, Canada

Alice Steele Santos Escada, Bachelor of Psychology Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis/SC, Brazil

Bachelor of Psychology

Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis/SC, Brazil

Published

2025-11-26

How to Cite

Gesser, M., Aydos, V., Block, P., & Steele Santos Escada, A. (2025). Ableism in the academic trajectories of Black disabled women: an intersectional analysis. Canadian Journal of Disability Studies, 14(3), 173–203. Retrieved from https://cjds.uwaterloo.ca/index.php/cjds/article/view/1284