Using an African American Lens to Explore the Intersection of Race, Gender, and Intimate Partner Violence

Abstract

Abstract

Critical Race Theory, Parenting, and Intimate Partner Violence: Analyzing Race and Gender

“…Moreover, regression results indicate an increased likelihood of being in the high-risk AAPI-2 parenting category for African Americans compared to Whites in the sample. In line with previous research (see Ferreira et al, 2017; Nomagachi & House, 2013; Simmons et al, 2010; Taylor et al, 2010; Washington et al, 2017), we interpret this increase as a way of preparing children for our society, generally, and an unequal incarceration system, more specifically. For instance, parents of color have taught their children about stop and frisk tactics and how to interact with police in such instances.…”

“…In terms of the CTS-2 Physical Assault subscale, there is an increased likelihood of being in the African American category compared to the White category. As has been cited elsewhere (see Burnette et al, 2017; Ferreira et al, 2017; Washington et al, 2017), we interpret the increased likelihood of physical assault as a means for navigating relationship conflict as an extension of systemic and structural oppression of people of color. Utilizing a CRT approach described above, we understand the increased use of violence to mediate intimate partnerships as an extension of violence created by a system predicated on structural inequality along axes of race, class, gender, immigration status, sexual orientation, and so on (Crenshaw, 2011; Delgado & Stefancic, 2012; Washington et al, 2017).…”

“…Although some scholarship has investigated relationships between race and IPV (e.g., Buttell & Carney, 2005; Caetano, Field, Ramisetty-Mikler, & McGrath, 2005; Caetano, Vaeth, & Ramisetty-Mikler, 2008; Carney & Buttell, 2006; Conwill, 2010; Feldman & Gowen, 1998; Ferreira et al, 2017; Scherzer & Pinderhughes, 2002; West, 2008, 2012), few studies have applied CRT as a theoretical framework to explore connections between race and IPV (e.g., Crenshaw, 1991; MacDowell, 2013; Morrison, 2006; Potter, 2006; Sokoloff & Dupont, 2005). Fewer studies still have used CRT to empirically assess linkages among gender, race, and the perpetration of IPV (Washington et al, 2017). CRT is a powerful and useful framework for examining and identifying differences among and between African American and White people’s behavior (Delgado & Stefancic, 2012).…”

“…For instance, we understand that an African American mother who perpetrates IPV might do so out of her own victimization and marginalization and not only as an aggressor (Crenshaw, 1991, 2011; Potter, 2008). Through such an application, we can shed light on both the ways White culture defines the problem, research, and policy of IPV and how exclusion of the multidimensionality of oppression affects African American victims and perpetrators alike (Morrison, 2006; Washington et al, 2017). Previous studies on IPV, authored predominantly by White scholars, have identified IPV as a consequence of our patriarchal culture.…”

“…To further explicate key dynamics among race, gender, parenting attitudes, and IPV, this study applies insights from critical race theory (CRT; e.g., Abrams & Moio, 2009; Bakan & Dua, 2014; Bell, 1995; Crenshaw, 1991, 2011; Delgado & Stefancic, 2012; P. L. Price, 2010; Washington, Cannon, & Buttell, 2017). To this end, this research adds to the field in examining how relationships between parenting and IPV differ across gender and race.…”