Delayed Gratification in Blacks: A Critical Review

Abstract

Research on the delay of gratification in Blacks was critically reviewed. The methodology typically em ployed to investigate this construct involves offering the individual a choice of obtaining either a small, im mediate reward or a large, delayed reward. Contrary to previous reports, it is argued here that the evidence divides published studies into those demonstrating overall patterns of nonpreference for delayed versus immediate rewards and those demonstrating overall or partial patterns of preference for delayed rewards among Blacks. Little empirical evidence is provided in the literature of a tendency for Blacks to prefer im mediate gratification, or of the relationship of such behavior to other personality characteristics.

New Business Models for Frugal Innovation: Experience from an Enterprise Supporting Sustainable Smallholder Agriculture in Kenya

“…Agripinto practiced patience while experimenting with various business models-with the belief that, at some point along the way, things will work out for the better. This is synonymous with the tenets of a long-term focus, where immediate rewards are foregone in favor of delayed gratification (Curtis Banks, Mcquater, Ross, & Ward, 1983). A preference for investing the few available resources, in anticipation of better rewards from the innovation's success in the long run, was quite evident in the Agripinto case.…”

Speaking Truth to Power: How Black/African Psychology Changed the Discipline of Psychology

“…Additionally, Banks uncovered theoretical and methodological flaws in the way the construct was developed and investigated (i.e., theoretical inconsistencies and limited research design, respectively). Thus, the notion that Blacks preferred immediate gratification, due to an overwhelming sense of powerlessness, victimhood, and low agency, was largely unsubstantiated (Banks et al, 1983). This critical review and rejection of Eurocentric psychological theory laid the foundation for a more accurate, strengths-based approach to people of African descent in the field of psychology.…”

“…Delayed gratification and locus of control. Continuing Banks's focus on deconstructing problematic Eurocentric psychological theories, Banks, McQuater, Ross, and Ward (1983) challenged the predominant and primarily Eurocentric psychological literature that characterized Blacks as having (a) no motivation to achieve, (b) a negative self-concept, and (c) low social responsibility. These claims were largely couched in literature exploring the link between delayed gratification and locus of control (e.g., Mischel, 1961a).…”

Comment on Brown et al.'s "Locus of control, sex role orientation, and self-concept in Black and White third- and sixth-grade male and female leaders in a rural community."

“…This argument is made by Banks, Ward, McQuater, and DeBritto (in press) in a comprehensive review of the status of evidence of locus of control in black populations and by Trimble and Richardson (1983) in a review of literature on locus of control in American Indians. Regarding other constructs, recent reviews of the empirical literature also fail to support the prevalent characterization of blacks as preferring immediate gratification (Banks, McQuater, Ross, & Ward, 1983), as low in self-concept, (Banks, 1976; Baldwin, 1979), or low in achievement motivation (Banks, McQuater, & Hubbard, 1978).…”