The Disposability of Black Women In the Workplace
The Oxford Learner’s Dictionaries provides several definitions for 'disposability,' with two being especially noteworthy: first, the idea of disposability as 'the fact that something is intended to be thrown away after use or after a short time,' and second, its depiction as 'the fact of being not essential or not serious.’ The concept of being discarded after brief use or not being taken seriously is painfully familiar to Black people. Historically, the control over our existence and the devaluation of our bodies is a narrative intertwined with disposability and Blackness, tracing back to the horrors of chattel slavery. In a more nuanced lens, for Black women, our worth has often been tethered to our bodies and the extraction of our labor, primarily for America's economic gains. All while our humanity has continuously been denied.
During the period of slavery, Black women's bodies were treated as economic assets. They were coerced into bearing children. In this era, our bodies became the pillars sustaining the cruel investment of chattel slavery. This was done through heinous acts of rape, exploitation, and forcibly subjecting our children to these inhumane circumstances. As Brianne M. Posey details in her article “Reproductive slavery: Historical and present-day discussions of the Black female body as a condition of confinement”, “Slave breeding was a multi-faceted practice in which owners would impose the reproduction of slaves. Biologically, it relied on women's ability to get pregnant multiple times. Enslaved women were placed into categories of “breeding slaves” (able to get pregnant, usually ages 12 to 30) and “slaves too old to breed” (assumed to be less fertile, usually ages 31 and older) (Marable, 2015).”
Gregory D. Smither also overviews the groundbreaking novel “Slave Breeding,” detailing how Black women faced rampant sexual abuse, viewed merely as tools to augment slaveholders' profits rather than as individuals deserving autonomy and respect. This detestable practice commodified Black women, making them disposable commodities whose bodies were exploited for economic gain. While America commodified Black women as assets during slavery, contemporary institutions persist in diminishing our human value by limiting our economic progression. This reflects a heartless system that negates the inherent humanity and dignity of Black women. Even post-emancipation, when we transitioned to wage labor, the chains of disposability and devaluation clung tightly.
Reflecting on this history underscores how Black women’s disposability is intrinsically woven into the fabric of America's workforce. The current landscape is a testament to this. Present-day Black women in the workforce continue to shoulder the weight of disposability, anguish, and exploitation. They grapple with unequal pay, limited promotional opportunities, disproportionate layoffs, and insufficient institutional support. The most recent statistics tell a familiar story - Black women still are not getting paid as much as white men and people in this country. Census data from 2022 shows that for full-time, year-round workers, we Black women make only 67 cents for every dollar paid to non-Hispanic white men. And when you look at all workers, including part-time, that wage gap is even more significant - we make just 64 cents on their dollar.
The “Women in the Workplace 2023” report by Lean In and McKinsey & Company provides a vivid snapshot of the workplace experience for Black women:
Black women are over twice as likely to code-switch at work, altering their mannerisms, tone, or speaking style.
They frequently censor themselves to sidestep being labeled as “difficult” or “aggressive,” more so than other women's groups.
The corporate ladder's lowest rung is particularly challenging for early-career Black women. While 2020 and 2021 saw a modest increase in Black women being promoted to managerial roles, this momentum waned in 2022. For every 100 men elevated to a managerial position, merely 54 Black women achieve this initial career progression, a figure unchanged since 2019.
The following statistics derive from LEANIN.ORG For a more thorough review of these statistics please review the following link: LEAN IN.These statistics, while varying yearly, consistently narrate the workplace challenges faced by Black women. They face frequent interruptions, their skills are routinely overlooked, and their career trajectories are impeded.
It's essential to recognize that these entrenched barriers prevent Black women from accessing equal opportunities in workspaces, even those not predominantly led by white individuals. These challenges persist across all facets of the professional realm, emphasizing a pervasive culture of anti-Blackness, wherein Black women are perpetually racing, often against insurmountable odds.
The age-old practice of gauging Black women's value based on limited economic metrics persists. We bear the scars of intergenerational trauma, characterized by being overburdened, underappreciated, and vulnerable. Despite our significant contributions to this nation through uncompensated labor and trailblazing achievements, our battle for dignity and safety remains. In many professional spaces, we are compelled to diminish our true selves to find success.
For Black women, the concept of safety in the workplace is uniquely defined. We don't inherently assume that workplaces prioritize our safety and inclusion. When employers flaunt their diversity or assure us of a safe working environment, we don't immediately accept these claims at face value. Our perception of safety is rooted in our lived experiences, the extent to which workplaces genuinely prioritize our well-being, and our overall experience. Historically, workplaces that appear inviting often fall short when catering to individuals who resonate with our Black identities. Societal perceptions of Black women magnify the so-called "microaggressions" we face. They are anything but minor.
Media: GIPHY
Just as some employers may appear to extend support to Black women, the genuine commitment to addressing the challenges and catering to the specific needs of Black women often falls short. This is exacerbated by perceptions that prioritizing Black women might come at a significant cost or pose a threat. Moreover, there's a prevailing sentiment that when attention and resources are directed toward Black women, the needs of others are inadvertently sidelined or overlooked.
The narrative of Black women's disposability in the workplace is neither a distant relic of the past nor an isolated issue of the present. It's a continuum of struggles deeply woven into America's socio-economic fabric. The fight for equality, recognition, and genuine safety for Black women is not just about bridging wage gaps or breaking corporate glass ceilings. It calls for systemic change, a plea for genuine acknowledgment, and a demand for respect. It's about addressing both the overt and covert ways in which Black women are marginalized. As we move forward, it's vital for workplaces and society at large to not only acknowledge the unique challenges faced by Black women but to actively work towards creating an environment where Black women are valued, respected, and given the opportunities they rightfully deserve. The journey to that road feels long and arduous, but a future where Black women are no longer disposable can be realized.
