Open AccessFeeling Invisible and Unheard: A Qualitative Exploration of Gendered-Racist Stereotypes Influence on Sexual Decision Making and Mistreatment of Black Teen Girls
Author(s) -
Ijeoma Opara,
Veronica Weser,
Brandon Sands,
Claudia-Santi F. Fernandes,
Sydney Hussett-Richardson,
Kimberly Hieftje
Publication year - 2022
Publication title -
youth and society
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.969
H-Index - 66
eISSN - 1552-8499
pISSN - 0044-118X
DOI - 10.1177/0044118x221075051
Subject(s) - feeling , psychology , racism , social psychology , qualitative research , gender studies , developmental psychology , sociology , social science
Gendered racism can impact how Black teen girls perceive themselves in relation to the world and influence their behaviors. This form of discrimination tends to manifest in stereotypes that promote the victimization and mistreatment of Black teen girls. This qualitative study, using Black feminist thought through a Black Girlhood lens as a guiding framework, aims to understand how Black teen girls are affected by gendered-racist stereotypes and how these stereotypes impact sexual decision making among this group. Using a sample of (N = 27) Black teen girls, three major themes arose: (1) experiencing the effects of racist-sexist stereotypes, (2) feeling powerless and invisible due to stereotypes, and (3) navigating the pressure to have sex due to stereotypes. Implications for this study include incorporating elements of Black Feminist Thought through a Black girlhood lens within prevention programing while also providing Black teen girls with the tools to challenge negative stereotypes with support from adult allies in school and family settings.