Protecting our daughters: Intersection of race, class and gender in African American mothers' socialization of their daughters' heterosexuality

Tiffany G. Townsend

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

52 Scopus citations

Abstract

Using a framework of intersectionality and Black feminist thought, this paper provides a conceptual exploration of the socialization process among African American mothers and daughters, with special attention given to the ways in which African American girls become aware of their mother's attitudes and beliefs concerning romantic relationships. Edmondson Bell, E. L., Nkomo, S. M. (1998). Journal of Comparative Family Studies, 29, 285-295 labeled this process armoring. I propose a model of sexual risk for low income African American girls in which the armoring process serves as the focal point. I then provide a conceptual discussion, comparing my proposed model to current social cognitive models in its ability to comprehensively explain the correlates and predictors of sexual behavior among this population. Implications concerning sexual risk prevention efforts are also discussed.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)429-442
Number of pages14
JournalSex Roles
Volume59
Issue number5-6
DOIs
StatePublished - Sep 2008
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • African American girls
  • African American mothers
  • HIV prevention
  • Sexual behavior
  • Sexual socialization

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Gender Studies
  • Social Psychology
  • Developmental and Educational Psychology

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