Romantic Relationship Research covered in the Psychology of Black Womanhood Book
Black women’s experiences with romantic relationships are profoundly influenced by a variety of historical, political, and economic factors. These broader contexts shape their dating scripts and relationship outcomes in significant ways. The intersectionality of race, gender, and class plays a critical role in how Black women navigate love and partnership, often requiring them to contend with societal stereotypes and systemic barriers that can impact their romantic lives.
Black women's dating scripts are informed by a rich tapestry of cultural narratives, societal expectations, and deeply personal experiences. These scripts not only provide a framework for understanding relationships but also serve as a guide for behavior and decision-making in romantic contexts. The influence of these scripts can inform their expectations in romantic relationships, selection of same race or different race partners, and perceptions of singlehood.
Understanding these dynamics is crucial for recognizing the complexities of Black women's romantic relationships within the context of their lived experiences. The research exploring this is covered in Chapter 8: Watering Our Roots: Black Women’s Kinship, Sisterhood, and Partner Relationships of The Psychology of Womanhood book. While we love amplifying the voices of other Black women researchers, we are also going to have some episodes featuring excerpts from the Psychology of Black Womanhood book to explore together. Dr. Dionne Stephens, co-author of the book and Professor of Psychology at the Florida International University, reads from the Black Love section of chapter eight in this episode.
Season 1, Episode 19
Running Time: 17 minutes
