“They Think That They Know Your Story”: Intersecting Discrimination and Interpersonal Barriers in Social Services for Immigrant Women of African Descent

Abstract

Immigrant women of African descent (IWAD) navigate oppression rooted in anti-Black racism, sexism, and nativism. While discrimination in health care is documented, the interpersonal barriers IWAD encounter within social and human service agencies remain underexplored. Consequently, this qualitative study aimed to explore these barriers through an intersectional lens, specifically examining how identity-based discrimination impacts interactions with service providers. Drawing on semi-structured interviews with 10 first-generation IWAD and analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis, findings revealed experiences frequently shaped by compounded prejudice. Key themes included: (a) navigating provider skepticism and disbelief, (b) perceptions of preferential treatment favoring others, (c) confronting compounded stereotypes, and (d) scrutiny tied to immigrant status and race. Participants perceived provider assumptions as deeply rooted in their race, gender, and nativity, highlighting the urgent need for intersectional and anti-racist practices to dismantle barriers and ensure equitable access.

Keywords

Black immigrant women discrimination intersectionality social services

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