Intersectional Discrimination and Substantive Equality in Margot Lee Shetterly's Hidden Figures

Abstract

Hidden Figures is a nonfiction novel written by the African  American Writer, Margot Lee Shetterly.  The main plot of  Hidden Figures traces the evolutionary track of three black women at Langley who worked in NACA and NASA  during the period of the second world war. The story exemplifies the contributions of courageous African- American women who offered a great part during the time of crisis as ‘Human Computers’. Using Kimberlé Crenshaw’s concept of intersectionality, this study intends to witness how the triumph of the representative characters (Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson) against adversity with their irreplaceable talent and uncompromising attitude broke the barriers and attained substantive equality which eventually inspired and paved the path for other African American Women. This study also attempts to recognise the contribution of women during the early, fundamental revolutionary years of the American dream.