Beyond marginality: exploring black women’s labour market participation in the Greater Vancouver Regional District

What have Black women’s labour market experiences been in the Greater Vancouver Regional District? How have education, family, and systemic barriers been perceived by and impacted Black women in the labour market? Utilizing qualitative methodological techniques, primarily open-ended interviewing, and centred in critical Black feminist and endarkened feminist epistemological approaches, as well as anti-racist or critical race theory, I explore these important questions. Historically and currently marginalized, this thesis puts Black women’s experience at the forefront of investigation and provides an opportunity for five women to voice their knowledge, thoughts, and observations on employment in British Columbia. Findings suggest that while some view the educational system as unsupportive and alienating for Blacks, it is ultimately deemed important for labour market success. The results also reveal a pronounced focus on personal rather than systemic barriers to success, and stress the value of family and other support networks in fostering individual empowerment.