Exploring Intersectionality of Gender and Race: Immersive Storytelling Videos and Perceived Expertise among Diverse Construction Professionals

This study examines the perceived expertise of diverse construction professionals across gender and race in the construction industry. While expertise assessment is essential, contextual factors such as race and gender can influence the perceived expertise of individuals. An online study was conducted, employing an immersive storytelling tool in a between-subject experimental design with four different conditions. Construction-related discipline students were randomly assigned to experience an immersive story narrated by a female African American, female White American, male African American, or male White American construction expert. Results reveal no statistical differences, yet female professionals received lower expertise ratings based on gender and race. Furthermore, students provided negative feedback predominantly for female professionals. These findings underscore the importance of raising awareness among students regarding potential biases in evaluating diverse construction professionals.