The current study was an attempt to increase understanding within the field about the self-conceptualization processes of African American women given the perceptions/ stereotypes that exist about them. Grounded theory methodology was utilized to ascertain participants' understanding of themselves as well as whether historical and/or contemporary perceptions/stereotypes impacted how they saw themselves. The African American women in this study tended to define themselves in positive terms. Often their self-definitions included perceptions/stereotypes that are typically thought to be socially desirable (e.g., strong and independent). The participants' self-definitions tended to exclude perceptions/ stereotypes that carry more negative connotations (e.g., loud and unintelligent). Future research should investigate the implications of perceptions/stereotypes for self-concepts of African American women who are also members of other traditionally oppressed groups.
Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:uiowa.edu/oai:ir.uiowa.edu:etd-1723 |
Date | 01 May 2010 |
Creators | Leathers, Leslie Carol |
Contributors | Liu, William Ming |
Publisher | University of Iowa |
Source Sets | University of Iowa |
Language | English |
Detected Language | English |
Type | dissertation |
Format | application/pdf |
Source | Theses and Dissertations |
Rights | Copyright 2010 Leslie Carol Leathers |
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