Abstract
Educational indicators from Brazil show a sensible increase in the participation of black women in higher education; however, when it comes to courses considered to be of high prestige, they are even more at a disadvantage. This tendency is expressed in their everyday lives, demanding from these female students an additional effort to overcome racism. This research aimed to understand the impacts of racism on the social participation of black female undergraduate students in the university and the ways of facing it. This is a qualitative study, carried out at a public university in the state of Alagoas, which adheres only to the social quota system. The data production has occurred through a focus group with six black female undergraduate students, from three distinct health undergraduate courses by the university, who self-declared blacks. The data produced were analyzed using the thematic analysis technique, being presented and discussed from three categories: Difficulties related to access and stay at the university; Expressions of racism in university everyday life; and Strategies to fight against racism. Difficulties in the entry and trajectory of these black women in higher education were perceived, which were crossed by the markers of gender, race, and class. The need for affirmative policies in the university context is reinforced and theoretical deepening and reflection on the theme is suggested.
Keywords:
Women; Racism; Education; Higher