Contextual Influences on Gendered Racial Identity Development of African American Young Women

Abstract

The aim of the study was to identify the contextual factors and socialization experiences most salient to the identity development of African American girls. Seventeen African American young women participated in dyadic focus groups. Themes that emerged included exposure to stereotypes, negative classroom environments, and parental and peer socialization that fostered self-determination and positive identity development. Implications for interventions and future research are included.