Using an Intersectional Lens to Explore Civic Engagement and Discrimination Experiences Among Young Black Women
Abstract
Historically, Black women have held a double-jeopardy position in society as they are located at the intersection of multiple marginalizing identities that put them at risk of experiencing distinct forms of discrimination (Bailey, 2020). Experiences of discrimination can be a catalyst for a broad range of individual and collective civil and political action (Hope, 2022). To date, little research has examined the relationship between discrimination and Black women’s civic engagement behaviors. The current study seeks to address this gap. Data are drawn from 159 Black women who participated in the Health + Activism study (Versey et al., 2020). Findings showed that half of all Black women in the sample reported involvement in anti-racist civic action in the past two years (i.e., BLM, civil rights). Latent class analysis was used to examine unique subgroups of civic involvement. A 3-class model was selected in which Black women were categorized into three classes: Highly Engaged Activist, Traditionally Engaged, and Low Engagement. Findings also showed that Highly engaged Black women experienced more discrimination but had marginally better mental health. The current findings inform the creation of safe spaces for Black women to be civically engaged in as they navigate racism and sexism and take action to seek racial justice.
Subject Area
Psychology|Developmental psychology|Social psychology|Womens studies|Mental health
Recommended Citation
Johnson, Jasmine B, "Using an Intersectional Lens to Explore Civic Engagement and Discrimination Experiences Among Young Black Women" (2023). ETD Collection for Fordham University. AAI30631042.
https://research.library.fordham.edu/dissertations/AAI30631042
