Developing a Conceptual Framework of Black Women’s Gendered Racial Identity Development

Abstract

Previous research has identified contextual factors that influence gendered racial identity development among Black women. Less is known about the specific process of Black women’s gendered racial identity development and the meaning Black women ascribe to their gendered racial identity. In the current study, we sought to identify phases of this process and the types of gendered racial ideologies that Black women endorse during their identity development. Drawing on intersectionality and Black feminist theory, we analyzed the data to center these findings within the unique sociocultural context of Black women’s experiences. A total of 19 Black women at a large, predominantly White Southeastern public university participated in semi-structured individual interviews about their gendered racial identity development. Using constructivist grounded theory to guide our data analysis, we found four phases of the developmental process (hyperawareness, reflection, rejection, and navigation), each of which was influenced by various factors unique to Black women’s intersectional experiences. We also found six gendered racial ideologies (assimilation, humanist, defiance, strength, pride, and empowerment), which represent Black women’s values, beliefs, and attitudes toward their gendered racial identity. We found that Black women utilized aspects of their gendered racial identity in ways to protect themselves from gendered racism and intersectional oppression. Researchers, practitioners, educators, and policy makers can utilize this conceptual framework to increase their critical awareness of the complexity of Black women’s gendered racial identity development.