Learn All About Dr. Austin Lee, New Society of Fellows Post-Doctoral Scholar and CISS Affiliate
Dr. Austin Lee is a postdoctoral fellow in the Society of Fellows program in the College of Arts and Sciences. Dr. Lee will be located at the Center for Innovation in Social Science, joining members of the inaugural CISS postdoctoral cohort. Dr. Lee received her Ph.D. in 2023 from the University of Pennsylvania in the sociology department and previously graduated from Amherst College with a Bachelor of Arts in Black studies. She was also a Diversity and Inclusion Fellow at UPenn’s Graduate Center during her time there. Lee engages Black feminist theories of power and difference to examine the interconnectedness between antiblackness and norms surrounding gender and sexuality. She draws attention to how antiblackness relates to heterosexism and propagates norms related to sexuality and gender, such as the essentiality of the nuclear family structure, gender conformity, and compulsory heterosexuality. Her current project focuses on the experiences of working- and middle-class mothers and childless women to examine Black women’s experiences with motherhood and mothering. By analyzing themes related to motherhood, caretaking, and social class, her research contributes to a broader understanding of race, gender, and family dynamics. Learn more about Dr. Lee below in a brief interview with CISS Communications Manager Lily Belisle!
What made you decide to be a social scientist/ why does social science matter to you?
A professor once told me, “Racism is like gravity; I want to know how birds fly.” Just as gravity influences countless aspects of our daily existence, racism permeates many facets of society, constraining individuals and groups in myriad ways. Yet, understanding gravity alone doesn’t grant us insight into the intricacies of flight. To truly grasp this, we must delve into how birds navigate and counteract gravitational forces. In a similar vein, while I recognize the oppressive nature of racism, my primary focus lies in exploring how individuals resist, subvert, and navigate these oppressive conditions. I am deeply committed to studying the diverse ways Black individuals, especially Black women and queer people, assert their agency in today’s world.
Social science resonates with me because it offers a structured platform to historically and systematically investigate these forces and their effects on people. Through social science, I’ve been granted a lens to better understand both myself and the broader society.
Can you tell us about a current research project that you’re excited about?
I’m currently working on a book project that delves into the complex dynamics of motherhood and caretaking roles among Black women. Drawing from interviews with a diverse group of Black mothers and childless women, my research suggests that Black women are often socialized into caretaking roles that both challenge and reinforce traditional patriarchal family structures. While existing literature celebrates the transformative potential of Black motherhood, my work posits that Black women’s perspectives on motherhood and caretaking can be both liberating and constraining. A unique aspect of my research is its focus on the intersection of class and motherhood. By including both mothers and childless women from various socioeconomic backgrounds, I aim to shed light on how class influences experiences of self-fulfillment and caretaking. This approach also allows me to explore how ideologies of motherhood permeate beyond just those who are biological mothers.
Significantly, my book seeks to fill a gap in the literature on childlessness, which predominantly centers on white, middle-class women. Grounded in Black feminist theory, my work emphasizes how Black women navigate familial and societal expectations while also seeking personal joy and fulfillment. While I acknowledge the unique nature of Black family structures and resist their pathologization, I also argue for a more nuanced understanding of patriarchy within Black households, moving beyond simple comparisons with nuclear family norms.
What has led you to the intersection of disciplines within which your expertise lies?
During my undergraduate years, I was drawn to sociology for its ability to elucidate my personal experiences with racism, sexism, and homophobia. However, as I delved deeper, I recognized that even within social science, certain biases persisted. These biases often mirrored the very prejudices the discipline aimed to challenge. For instance, early canonical sociological readings on Black women and communities sometimes perpetuate harmful stereotypes rooted in sexism and heterosexism. This observation became a turning point for me.
Feeling the need for a broader perspective, I ventured into other disciplines like women and gender studies, black studies, and anthropology. These interdisciplinary engagements not only addressed my initial discomfort with sociology but also paved the way for a research agenda that delves into the intricate web of interconnected inequalities. My work now challenges the pathologization of Black people’s sexuality and investigates how sexism and heterosexism amplify racial prejudices.
Embracing this interdisciplinary approach has been pivotal. It bridges gaps between disciplines and sub-fields, fostering a more holistic understanding of complex issues. For instance, I’ve melded Black feminist perspectives with affect theory and connected the sociology of religion with studies on race, sexuality, and stigma. This approach not only enriches my analyses but also broadens the scope and impact of my scholarship.
What do you hope to accomplish during your time at BU?
During my time at BU, I plan to adapt my dissertation into a book manuscript. This is a major goal for my tenure at the Society of Fellows. I am also looking forward to teaching a course on Race, Class, and Gender in the Sociology and Women’s, Gender, & Sexuality Studies departments next semester. Additionally, I’ve greatly valued the connections I’ve made with other Society of Fellows and CISS fellows. Engaging with them has enriched my experience, and I’m eager to further immerse myself in Boston University’s vibrant intellectual community.