Qualitative Psychology, Vol 11(1), Feb 2024, 25-51; doi:10.1037/qup0000275
Children often receive their first understanding of the nuances of society and how to navigate their experiences from parents and family members. Parents and family members of Black children have the additional task of teaching their children how to navigate through society as a Black person. The present study used grounded theory methods to explore the racial and sexual socialization messages young Black women received using multigenerational transmission process and social learning theory as theoretical frameworks. Messages related to the expectations of their roles in these relationships included five selective categories: (1) the expectation to put others’ needs before their own; (2) the importance of financial independence; (3) prioritizing the needs of their male romantic partner; (4) hiding and/or downplaying their sexuality; and (5) successfully managing work relationships. Findings related to how these socialization messages impacted participants in young adulthood included three selective categories: (1) Long-term impact of racial and ethnic socialization by family members; (2) desire to have more nuanced conversations with family members; and (3) the realization of wants and needs within relationships. Clinical implications and future areas of research are discussed. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved)