| This study utilized a consensual qualitative approach (CQR) (Hill, Thompson, & Nutt-Williams, 1997; Hill et al., 2005) to identify themes pertaining to the role of supports and barriers in the lives of 18 high achieving women from low socioeconomic backgrounds. Participants ranged from 26 to 56 years old (M = 35.5, SD = 9.13). The data analysis yielded four domains: perceived supports, perceived barriers, relationship between supports and barriers, and factors influencing work-related decisions. Results suggested that the following supports and or barriers had a significant impact on the work and personal lives of these participants: interpersonal, intrapersonal, work, socioeconomic, sociocultural, gender-related, education, and chance supports and barriers. Participants unanimously reported that barriers ultimately lead to seeking and retaining supports or positive outcomes over time. Investigating and isolating factors that influenced the career paths of these accomplished women from low socioeconomic backgrounds resulted in several implications for helping women of similar backgrounds reach their goals by minimizing barriers and maximizing their utilization of supports in their work lives. Implications for theory, future research, and limitations are also discussed. |
