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Three FCS professors receive SSHRC funding to research equity cluster hiring, first-time motherhood among Black women, and hidden homelessness

Drs. Idil Abdillahi, Priscilla Boakye and Barbara Chyzzy were awarded in the February 2024 competition for Insight Development Grants
By: Clara Wong
October 02, 2024
Headshots of the three FCS faculty members receiving SSHRC Insight Development grants

Congratulations to three FCS professors who received Insight Developments Grants from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC). The federal funding supports the early-stage development of short-term projects (up to two years) to explore new questions about people, societies and the world, and/or to experiment with novel methods, approaches or ideas.

Idil Abdillahi
Dr. Idil Abdillahi, School of Disability Studies

‘Equity cluster hiring’ in Canadian higher education

In an attempt to redress historical exclusion, many universities engage in “equity hiring”— a practice in which faculty positions are open only to applicants from a designated group. Yet, despite good intentions, the initiative may not be working as originally intended — sometimes even exacerbating stereotypes, racial profiling and aggression within the Academy.

Currently, no evidence base exists in Canada upon which to make decisions on the hiring practice. To clarify its potential, disability studies professor Idil Abdillahi is leading the first study to specifically focus on Black “cluster hiring” in Ontario and trace the evolving discourse on “equity hiring”.

The research team will compare the experiences of Black professors hired before and during the implementation of cluster hiring. It will also examine how shifting contexts — such as student demographics, coaching, coalition building, activism, policies and Black studies programs — affected their experiences. Findings will inform institutional approaches to set Black faculty up for more promising futures within the Academy.

“Although ‘Black cluster hiring’ may appear to foster diversity and inclusion, it may actually further isolate and silo Black faculty. By comparing diverse cohorts hired over time, we can assess what factors actually matter for their retention, promotion and success.”

Disability studies professor Idil Abdillahi
Priscilla Boakye
Dr. Priscilla Boakye, Daphne Cockwell School of Nursing

Exploring Black Mothers' Transition to Motherhood in the First-year Following Childbirth

Nursing professor Priscilla Boakye will lead one of the first studies in Canada to explore the experiences of Black women welcoming their first child. Research confirms that transitioning to motherhood for the first time is a significant life changing experience that has far reaching consequences for the emotional wellbeing of the mother and infant development.

Since the social organization of motherhood is influenced by the intersection of race, class and gender, little is currently known about how Black populations navigate this transitional period from an intersectional perspective. Where motherhood is explored among Black populations, it tends to be deficit focused, overlooking the protective assets and resources they use to navigate their transition to motherhood.

Dr. Boakye’s research team will provide new knowledge by uncovering cultural, social and structural factors that facilitate or impede new Black mothers' transition. Instead of taking a traditionally deficit-focused lens, the research will highlight protective assets of Black women to promote their own well-being and that of their children. Findings will inform the development of relevant social care policies and culturally meaningful community programs.

“As one of the first studies of its kind in Canada to illuminate the structural, political, and socio-cultural influences on Black women's transition to motherhood, we can break down harmful stereotypes and strengthen their protective assets to promote healthy transition and positive child development.”

Nursing professor Priscilla Boakye
Barbara Chyzzy
Dr. Barbara Chyzzy, Daphne Cockwell School of Nursing

Hidden Homelessness Among Pregnant Women and Gender Diverse People

Every year in Toronto alone, over 300 infants are born into homelessness — some in the context of “hidden homelessness”, in which one lives temporarily with others but without any guarantee of ongoing or permanent housing.

Little is known about hidden homelessness among women and gender diverse people In Canada — in part because pregnant people may fear child apprehension by authorities if they self-identify as “homeless” or “of no fixed address”. To fill this knowledge gap, nursing professor Barbara Chyzzy will lead a multi-city, multi-phase study in collaboration with academic researchers, policymakers and experts with lived experience.

The first phase of the research will enumerate homelessness among pregnant people in Ontario using provincial data. The second and third phases will examine the intersecting factors leading to ‘hidden homelessness’ for this population and complex relations of power and oppression that continue to shape the development of policies. Findings aim to inform policy and practices to remove barriers that may prevent pregnant women and gender diverse people from seeking services and to meet their housing needs. 

“Without more research, homeless pregnant people will continue to be invisible and lack essential pre- and postnatal supports. We are bringing attention to the full scope and complex nature of the problem — ultimately helping improve outcomes for them and their infants.”

Nursing professor Barbara Chyzzy

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