Black Emerging Adults’ Critical Consciousness and Perceived Neighborhood Quality

Abstract

We examine the relations between critical consciousness and perceptions of neighborhood quality (PNQ) in the context of social positions among young Black adults in the U.S. ( n = 524 ; μ age = 26.4; SD = 3.29). Multigroup structural equation modeling revealed that social identities, such as age and income, were positively related to PNQ for Black women. Critical reflection and critical agency were positively related to PNQ for Black men and critical action was negatively associated with PNQ for Black women. Model fit indices suggest that gender significantly moderates these associations. These findings suggest that reflection on societal inequities, agency and motivation to address injustices, and social justice-oriented actions are related to how Black emerging adults perceive and evaluate urban areas, and in different ways for Black men and Black women. Considerations for studying spatial critical consciousness and for supporting Black emerging adults’ wellbeing in urban areas are discussed.