An investigation of Jezebel stereotype awareness, gendered racial identity and sexual beliefs and behaviours among Black adult women

Leath, Seanna; Jones, Mark S.; Jerald, Morgan C.; Perkins, Tiani R.

doi:10.1080/13691058.2020.1863471

Cited by 18 publications

(9 citation statements)

References 43 publications

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“…For example, Crooks et al (2019) found that as participants aged, they rejected cultural narratives of Black women as hypersexual and became more aware of the Jezebel stereotype and its historical roots in slavery. Limited quantitative research suggests that Black women’s awareness of the Jezebel stereotype is associated with greater monitoring of their sexual behavior, which, in turn, is associated with less sexual agency and more sexual inhibition (Leath et al, 2021). Other evidence suggests that contrary to feeling threatened by the hypersexualized nature of the Jezebel stereotype, some young Black women may feel a sense of empowerment from images of other women embracing and expressing their sexuality (i.e., “WAP” and hot girl summer; Burton, 2019) and that sexualized media may promote feelings of sexual agency and control over their bodies (Halliday, 2017).…”

Section: Black Feminist Theory and Controlling Images Of Black Womanhoodmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The Jezebel stereotype emerged during slavery in the United States to justify the pervasive sexual assault of enslaved Black women by White men (Collins, 2004; West, 1995, 2012), and the “jezebelian Black woman” imagery perpetuates the idea that Black women are more promiscuous and sexually aggressive compared with women from other racial groups (Stephens & Phillips, 2005). Researchers suggest that the Jezebel stereotype plays a significant role in Black women’s sexual decision making (Crooks et al, 2019); yet less of this work considers how the historical stereotype influences Black college women’s sexual beliefs and behaviors (Leath et al, 2021).…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Researchers also highlight how mainstream media reinforces the Jezebel stereotype through hypersexual and objectifying depictions of Black women’s bodies and sexuality (Conrad et al, 2009; Ward et al, 2013). While this work contextualizes Black women’s sexual objectification in broader society, less research has considered the extent to which young Black women internalize or reject the Jezebel stereotype in relation to their sexual beliefs and behaviors (French, 2013; Froyum, 2010; Leath et al, 2021). Prior literature indicates that Jezebel stereotype endorsement relates to riskier sexual behaviors (Davis & Tucker-Brown, 2013) and internal justification of sexual violence among Black women (Cheeseborough et al, 2020); yet there are gaps in extant scholarship regarding how Black women perceive this sexual stereotype across the life course.…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

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A Qualitative Exploration of Jezebel Stereotype Endorsement and Sexual Behaviors Among Black College Women

Leath

Jerald

Perkins

et al. 2021

Journal of Black Psychology

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Researchers suggest that the Jezebel stereotype exerts a significant influence on Black women’s sexual decision making. The current qualitative study drew upon narrative data from individual, semistructured interviews with 50 Black women (ages 18-24 years) to explore how the Jezebel stereotype influenced their sexual beliefs and behaviors. Using consensual qualitative research methods, the following four themes emerged from the data: (a) how the Jezebel plays a role in their sexual exploration, (b) how the Jezebel contributes to sexual violence against Black women, (c) how the Jezebel is a hypersexual media representation of Black women’s sexuality, and (d) how the Jezebel is a negative sexual stereotype within family contexts. Our findings contextualize the enduring role of the Jezebel stereotype as a sexual script for Black women, as we found that many participants chose to adapt their clothing choices or sexual behaviors in light of their awareness and endorsement of the stereotype. The authors discuss the implications of study findings for Black women and girls’ sexual socialization and deconstructing deficit-based ideologies of Black women’s sexuality.

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Section: Black Feminist Theory and Controlling Images Of Black Womanhoodmentioning

confidence: 99%

mentioning

confidence: 99%

mentioning

confidence: 99%

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A Qualitative Exploration of Jezebel Stereotype Endorsement and Sexual Behaviors Among Black College Women

Leath

Jerald

Perkins

et al. 2021

Journal of Black Psychology

Self Cite

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“…It is therefore time for scholars, practitioners, and counselors to actively participate in praxis to question laypeople’s assumption that dyadic monogamy is optimal. Such work may be particularly powerful for women, as women are judged more negatively for extradyadic activities, and it is likely that racially minoritized women are judged the most harshly (Anderson et al, 2018; Leath et al, 2022). While consensual non-monogamy may not be the optimal relationship agreement for everyone (Conley et al, 2013), questioning and changing prevailing relationship norms has the potential to enhance sexual and relationship freedom for all (Anderson, 2010), a goal well-aligned with intersectionality.…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“I’ve been cheated, been mistreated, when will I be loved”: Two decades of infidelity research through an intersectional lens

Weiser

Shrout

Thomas

et al. 2022

Journal of Social and Personal Relationships

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Infidelity is a common experience within romantic relationships and is closely linked with relationship dissolution and well-being. Using an intersectionality theoretical framework, we undertook a systematic review of the infidelity literature in flagship journals associated with the disciplines of the International Association for Relationship Research. Our review includes findings from 162 published empirical articles. We identified several themes within the infidelity literature, including: individual, interpersonal, and contextual predictors; outcomes and reactions; beliefs and attitudes; prevalence; and conceptualization. We also found that the infidelity literature primarily utilizes participants who are White, heterosexual, cisgender individuals who reside in the United States or Canada. Moreover, researchers were limited in information they provided about participants’ identities so in most articles it was difficult to assess many dimensions of identity. Ultimately, these findings limit our ability to apply an intersectional framework. We argue that researchers should extend the research they cite, collect richer demographic data, expand their samples (especially beyond White heterosexual cisgender American college students), and consider the sociohistorical context of their participants (e.g., the particular social circumstances and historical forces which shape individuals’ lived experiences). For example, scholars using an intersectional framework would explain their participants’ relationship experiences through a lens which includes systems of sexism, racism, heterosexism, cissexism, classism, etc., in conjunction with individual and interpersonal factors.

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“…Black women may be pressured to dress modestly and downplay their sexuality-facing criticism and accusations of being "fast-tailed" if they fail to conform (Curtis et al, 2022;Leath & Mims, 2021;Pitcan et al, 2018). Yet, internalizing this stereotype limits Black women's freedom and encourages victim blaming (Curtis et al, 2022;Hall & Witherspoon, 2015;Jerald, 2018;Leath et al, 2022;Peterson et al, 2007;Ward et al, 2018). Respectability politics can also be seen operating in response to the lazy "welfare queen" stereotype, such that middle class Black families may look down on Black women who could be seen to confirm this stereotype (Leath & Mims, 2021).…”

Section: Avoidance Of Negative Stereotype Confirmationmentioning

confidence: 99%

The Construction of Racial Stereotypes and How They Serve as Racial Propaganda

Melson-Silimon¹,

Spivey²,

Skinner-Dorkenoo³

2023

Preprint

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In social psychology, stereotypes have generally been viewed as overgeneralized beliefs about social groups in society. Although stereotypes—especially those that are negative—tend to be recognized as contributing to prejudice and discrimination of marginalized communities, they are often conceptualized as containing a “kernel of truth.” Meanwhile, there has been relatively little consideration of the historical and cultural origins of racial stereotypes. This is an important oversight given that stereotypes have and continue to be used as a means to excuse and reinforce the systemic oppression of communities of color. Thus, the current paper uses a historical framework to review major stereotypes that have targeted communities of color throughout U.S. history, with a focus on stereotypes of Black people. In doing so, we conceptualize racial stereotypes as propaganda that have historically functioned to support oppressive societal systems in the U.S. by both (a) shaping public perceptions and expectations and (b) by influencing the thoughts and behavior of members of stereotyped groups. By situating stereotypes within their historical and cultural frames, readers can recognize the way stereotypes reinforce systems of oppression. We conclude with research implications and encourage stereotyping scholars to foreground the social construction of stereotypes and the function that they serve by contextualizing their work in the social and historical context in which stereotypes emerged.

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An investigation of Jezebel stereotype awareness, gendered racial identity and sexual beliefs and behaviours among Black adult women

Cited by 18 publications

References 43 publications

A Qualitative Exploration of Jezebel Stereotype Endorsement and Sexual Behaviors Among Black College Women

A Qualitative Exploration of Jezebel Stereotype Endorsement and Sexual Behaviors Among Black College Women

“I’ve been cheated, been mistreated, when will I be loved”: Two decades of infidelity research through an intersectional lens

The Construction of Racial Stereotypes and How They Serve as Racial Propaganda

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