Power x prejudice: risk-based assessment on the vulnerability of female Chinese international students in Australia

Racism and sexism are discriminatory behaviours that are prevalent throughout society, and both have a negative impact on individuals. Further, the intersectionality of racism and sexism has a profoundly damaging effect on its victims. A vulnerable cohort illustrative of this intersectionality impact is female Chinese international students studying in Australia. This study will examine the case studies of four of these students studying at one Australian university. Using a risk management framework, we explore the complex relationship of power and prejudice exercised by male perpetrators relating to the impact on these students, which results in a threat to personal safety or attempted subjugation. This study advocates for stronger support services to be in place to help these students counter potential sexism-racism incidents or to provide post-incident care.