Black Women’s Perception of Black Men

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Black Women’s Perception of Black Men

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                               Black Women’s Perception of Black Men

Abrams, Maxwell, and Belgrave (2018) carried out a study to test the awareness of black women on their interpretation of black men. This exploratory qualitative study aimed at filling the identified literature in understanding the perception of women towards the masculinity and gender roles of Black men. The thematic analysis undertaken showed that the women believe that Black men are strong both mentally and physically and that their inability to commit to their family and partners can be attributed to the historical black experiences. The study has revealed an array of cultural, social, and individual factors that must be considered in social work practice to resolve marital conflicts and achieve mutual understanding.

1. How are Black men perceived by Black women in this study?

Black women often perceive this group of people as strong both mentally and physically. One of the respondents’ states, “Black men, some of them are very strong-minded and strong-willed” (155). They are perceived as strong-willed and have the ability to endure a lot. They are self-confident leaders who say what they mean in an assertive manner rather than being wishy-washy. Because of challenges with personal or familial connections, black men are considered as unemotional, untrustworthy, and to lack commitment to their families. These attributes have been connected to the fact that black men are susceptible to conditions that are beyond their control. Black women describe them as being faced with multiple barriers, social pressure, and limited resources compared to other races. They face significant levels of stereotypes, prejudice, and social pressure coupled with a history of pain. Even with these flaws, an ideal Black man was represented as one who is the leader of the house, relationships, and in charge of themselves.

 

2. How do Black women perceive men as partners and as parents?

Black women noted that black men often struggle with committing to their families. Although not all men struggle with a sense of commitment, most black men do not know how to commit; others avoid such commitments due to sociocultural factors such as growing up without a father figure. Environmental reasons can also be attributed to the inability to connect with partners and families, causing a lack of trust. As parents and partners, black men were also said to show reluctance to connect with their families emotionally. The fact that they are often taught to avoid addressing their emotions is one of the reasons why they tend to hold back from emotional expression. Despite their lack of commitment as parents and partners, black women associated black men with the ability to take good care of their families.

3. How does the Black experience impact Black men’s ability to support and provide for their families? What is the role of history?

66% of the participants stated that historical experiences play a significant role in the inability of black men to protect, support, and commit to their families. The women stated that the experiences created resulted in structural, cultural, and individual social disadvantage that affected their perception of themselves and of the world. Historical placed them in a position where they lacked financial support, father figures, and education through the generations placing them in a position where they were predisposed to prejudices, incarceration, and discriminatory practices. Although most of them desire to achieve personal and family goals, structural, cultural, and individual factors have inhibited them, predisposing them to social disadvantage. As indicated by one of the participants, the aspect of getting separated from their families historically coupled with enslavement resulted in fractured identities that affected their ability to connect and provide for their families. Psychological and physical socio-historical experiences alongside cultural memories of pain and adversity affected gendered interactions between black men and women. To this end, it is evident that historical experiences resulted in psychological and structural barriers that left indelible marks on Black men, which has resulted in their inability to commit as parents and partners.

4. What are the implications for social work practice?

This discussion has highlighted concepts and issues that should be taken into consideration in social work practice, particularly when resolving marital conflicts. Comparing women’s perception of black men could help to unearth major causes of failed relationships. It is also important to understand the source of marital conflicts, particularly with relation to financial issues and how women perceive black men. For instance, the traditional belief that men should be providers often serves as a significant cause of conflict, especially when the women earn more than the men. Taking into consideration historical experiences and social disadvantage often faced by black men can assist in resolving marital conflicts. As a social worker, ensuring that black women understand the source of Black men’s maladaptive behavior could serve as a significant step in achieving strong martial and interpersonal relationships.

References

Abrams, J. A., Maxwell, M. L., & Belgrave, F. Z. (2018). Circumstances beyond their control: Black women’s perceptions of black manhood. Sex roles, 79(3), 151-162.