RUME 25
2023
Omaha, Nebraska
“Well, it’s obvious”: Students’ Experiences with Mathematical Microaggressions
Page: 1006
Mathematical microaggressions (MM) refer to the subtle ways in which mathematical authorities use language, behavior, and assumptions that communicate negative messages to students that they do not belong in mathematics (Su, 2015). This study analyzes the reflections of 173 undergraduate mathematics students who were asked to reflect on an article (Su, 2015) about MMs. Findings show that students experience different types of MMs, including microslights, microinsults, and environmental microaggressions. Our results indicate that female students were more likely to report experiences with MMs than male students. This research supports the need to investigate this phenomenon further and to develop initiatives at departmental and institutional levels to encourage more inclusive spaces in math classrooms.