The Process of Becoming a Sexual Black Woman: A Grounded Theory Study

Abstract

CONTEXT Black females in the United States disproportionately suffer from STDs, including HIV. Understanding the sociocultural conditions that affect their risk is essential to developing effective and culturally relevant prevention programs. METHODS In 2016–2017 in Madison, Wisconsin, 20 black females aged 19–62 completed interviews that explored the sociocultural conditions associated with sexual development and STD/HIV risk. Interviews were guided by grounded theory; open, axial and selective coding and constant comparative analysis were used to identify developmental phases and relevant sociocultural conditions. RESULTS Three phases of becoming a sexual black woman were identified: Girl, when participants reported beginning to understand their sexuality; Grown, marking a transition to adulthood, when participants began to feel more self‐sufficient yet still grappled with their emerging sexuality; and Woman, when participants developed a strong sense of self and took ownership of their bodies. Two sociocultural conditions affected progression through these phases: stereotype messaging and protection (both self‐protection and protecting others). Negative life events (e.g., sexual trauma) and early sexualization reportedly affected sexual development, and STD experience influenced self‐perceptions of sexuality and sexual behavior, often leading to self‐protective behaviors. Older participants reported strategies to protect young black females from negative sexual experiences. CONCLUSION Interventions at multiple levels of the social ecology throughout the life course may help reduce STD/HIV risk among black women in the United States. Future research should include examination of the experiences of black females younger than 18 and evaluation of the protective strategies employed by older black females.

Steeped in Shame: An Exploration of Family Sexual Socialization Among Black College Women

“…The present study used Black feminism as a framework for qualitative inquiry to explore Black college women’s narrations of familial sexual socialization and to consider how prior messages influenced participants’ current beliefs on intimacy and body image. Consistent with prior research (Crooks et al, 2019; Fletcher et al, 2015; Jordan-Zachery, 2017), we found that sexual discretion, physical critiques, deference, and abstinence messages were the most frequent categories of socialization messaging concerning sexuality and sexual embodiment. Many of the women recounted that their family invoked sexual scripts about being a “fast” Black girl to inhibit sexual exploration during adolescence.…”

“…Scholars suggest that growing up within a culture that views and treats women as sexual objects can contribute to body image beliefs that overemphasize external attractiveness and male approval (Parker, 2018). Whereas most of these studies involve heteronormative socialization (women seeking out male intimate partners), the results highlight how internalizing broader cultural norms of sexual objectification can undermine all Black girls’ and women’s self-esteem and bodily satisfaction (Crooks et al, 2019; French, 2013; Townsend et al, 2010; Watson et al, 2012).…”

“…However, there has been limited empirical attention to the content of sexual socialization messages that extend beyond sexual risk frameworks (i.e., the need to delay sexual initiation, use condoms, and avoid getting pregnant). Limited evidence exists regarding how Black women develop healthy and positive beliefs about sexual exploration (Crooks et al, 2019; Morgan, 2015; Stephens & Phillips, 2005), such as their comfort with their own sexuality or their ability to assert their needs and desires to a partner.…”

“…For instance, Crooks and colleagues (2019) discussed how 16 Black women (ages 19–62, M age = 31 years) came to understand their emergent sexuality and gain a sense of ownership over their bodies. The women reflected on how their sexual experiences during childhood involved early unwanted attention from same-age and older males, which negated their girlhood and left many feeling uncomfortable with their developing bodies.…”

“…Although a substantial literature addresses the sexual development of Black girls and women (Crooks et al, 2019; Dagbovie-Mullins, 2013; French, 2013; Hargons et al, 2018, Morgan, 2015; Stephens & Phillips, 2003; Watson et al, 2012), there has been less investigation of how young Black women interpret and internalize the sexual socialization messages they receive, especially from family members. Parents and family members are noted to be primary agents of sexual socialization, defined as the developmental process by which knowledge, attitudes, and values about sexuality are acquired (Shtarkshall et al, 2007).…”