Demographics & Diversity in SLP

[combustiblecake]

While talking to the program director of one of the schools I'm interested in, I've been uncomfortably even more aware of the fact that I'm a minority in the field not only field-wise, but in terms of race too. I knew that our field attracts a certain demographic but is this completely accidental? are minority groups (men, asian, hispanic, african-american, etc) not really attracted to our field? Is there an explanation for this?

 

I know this can be an uncomfortable subject in the US but I wanted to learn more about the diversity of our field. Is this changing? 

Edited December 17, 2014 by waitwhichgaby

[curly_girl]

First, I would not consider men a minority group, they are a minority on SLP, but not a minority group. I think they are less attracted to SLP for the same reason they don't become teachers or nurses. Speech pathology does not have the prestige of a doctor or lawyer, isn't as high paying as many other jobs, and is a 'nurturing' career (if that makes sense) which is in  the US at least is still seen as more as women's work. I also think that some men are subconsciously weary of working in a field dominated by women.

 

For hispanics and black americans, I don't think it is SLP per say, but more that they are more likely to be poor and less likely to complete college, let alone graduate school. It is unfortunate and part of a systematic problem. Obviously other fields that require a master degree (or higher) have fewer whites, so it is not the only reason, but I think it is part of it.

 

Many of my friends (of different genders, races, ethnicities, and ages) had never heard of SLP before I told them about it. Perhaps that has something to do with the lack of diversity as well.

Edited December 17, 2014 by curly_girl

[Missthang]

I absolutely agree with the person who replied above! This field seems to attract a certain demographic, but it's also a hidden gem that a lot of people from diverse populations may not be aware unless they had personal experience with a SLP.

 

I don't think it's something to be afraid of if you happen to fall in a group that's not Caucasian female. In fact, I would think most schools would want a diverse cohort so it could be to your advantage if you did fall "outside the norm". Most schools that I've seen have aspired to having a more diverse cohort, so use it to your advantage instead of making it seem as something negative. My cohort has several African American, Asian and Hispanic students, a few guys, several bilingual (not just English-Spanish) students and out of state people as well.

[onedayslp]

Several of the programs I am applying to have expressed on their websites that they are looking for diversity. Many of them also have supplemental "diversity statements" that applicants can submit. So I think that shows they are aware of the lack of diversity and trying to do something about it! I'm a white female, but the lack of diversity makes me kind of uncomfortable, too... I'd rather be part of a cohort that is balanced in terms of race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, etc than a bunch of people who all come from similar backgrounds.

[ImHis]

First, I would not consider men a minority group, they are a minority on SLP, but not a minority group. I think they are less attracted to SLP for the same reason they don't become teachers or nurses. Speech pathology does not have the prestige of a doctor or lawyer, isn't as high paying as many other jobs, and is a 'nurturing' career (if that makes sense) which is in  the US at least is still seen as more as women's work. I also think that some men are subconsciously weary of working in a field dominated by women.

 

Many of my friends (of different genders, races, ethnicities, and ages) had never heard of SLP before I told them about it. Perhaps that has something to do with the lack of diversity as well.

 

Thank you for your perspective. I think part of why it also doesn't attract men is there's no promotion of it as a career option among academic counselors in high school. Unless you've received S-L services during elementary, it's a career that's buried in the bottom. I never knew about it until I was in college.

 

When I had the opportunity to shadow, it was a shock to find male SLP's. That's when I thought I could probably do it too. At the same time, there was the bias that it was a "nurturing career" so I was torn between pursuing it and choosing a field where there was a higher precentage of men (PT, MD, DO, OD). Also, as a gay man, I was concerned that the caring aspect of it would further validate the nurturing belief and lead to my ridicule from my peers and branding me as effeminate which was of course unfounded. These took some time to process In the end, I could never deny my passion for the subject and went right for it.

 

Everyone is very interested in learning more about what I'm studying after they find out. It's been amazing time doing the prerequisites and getting the experiences and I'm keeping cautious optimism about the journey.

Edited December 19, 2014 by Articklish

[slpfall14]

I agree with the poster above.  I think the lack of diversity has a lot to do with the fact that the profession isn't very known.  I often have to explain to people what Communication Disorders are and what an SLP does.  Also, without running into an SLP, you would never think about choosing this as a profession.  My cohort isn't very diverse.  Out of 35 there are about 3 minorities. However, I don't think this is a problem with the school or field.

[neucool]

If I were to guess, I'd also say that this is due to the marginalization of groups that results in many people of color not getting the speech services they need (in part BECAUSE of how white the people who make those decisions are). Less kids who get speech, less of them plus siblings/friends/parents who ever even realize this is a career option, like many have said.

 

I think this is a huge issue in the field, though. Racial bias is real, for one, and additionally, it also means a big lack of bilingual SLPs, as well as bicultural SLPs. A field that requires interaction with people needs to be diverse as the people it serves.