Wellbeing under threat: Multiply marginalized and underrepresented teachers’ intersecting identities

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this study was to better understand threats to the wellbeing of multiply marginalised and underrepresented (MMU) teachers by unpacking the ways their multiple social identities intersect with each other and with their teacher identities. This study foregrounded the eudaimonic aspect of wellbeing, examining the extent to which the participants’ needs for relatedness, autonomy, and competence are met within school systems that tend to privilege dominant societal beliefs and structures. We employed a case study to delve into the lives of two MMU teachers, Eva and George, through narrative interviews. Within their school and social contexts, they struggled to fully embrace and enact their identities. They consistently negotiated their multiple intersecting identities, which sometimes required them to conceal certain identities. Concealing sexual identity resulted in protective support for Eva, but put George’s wellbeing at risk. The different ways Eva’s and George’s relatedness, autonomy, and competence are met and interconnected illustrate the complex nature of teacher wellbeing. Expanding the definition of wellbeing to incorporate positive and negative dimensions and underlying psychological processes, as well as implications for school leadership and district policies are discussed.

KEYWORDS:

• Teacher wellbeing
• multiply marginalised and underrepresented teachers
• social identity
• teacher identity
• basic needs

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Notes

1. Throughout this chapter we do not capitalise ‘white’ as we are attempting to disrupt and decentre whiteness.