Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Patriarch

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine how Black men and women understand masculine performances in romantic relationships and to do so using Steve Harvey’s book Act Like A Lady, Think Like A Man as a point of reference. This book was chosen specifically for its success and because of its patriarchal implications. Data from six focus groups revealed that participants viewed masculinity as dynamic both over time and within an individual. Participants also emphasized the reciprocity involved in masculine performances. Last, the Black men and women in this study were aware of the potential impact of larger society on their relationships but expressed the importance of eschewing societal norms as a tactic to maintain the integrity of their relationships.