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I Am Not (Your) Superwoman, Black Girl Magic, or Beautiful Struggle: Rethinking the Resilience of Black Women and Girls.

Authors :
Bentley-Edwards, Keisha L.
Adams, Valerie N.
Source :
American Psychologist. Nov2024, Vol. 79 Issue 8, p1036-1048. 13p.
Publication Year :
2024

Abstract

The concept and social media hashtag, #BlackGirlMagic, is used to demonstrate the ability of Black women and girls to create paths and to succeed despite intersectional racism, sexism, and classism. Conversely, the concept of Black Girl Magic and Strong Black Woman schemas have been used to glorify struggle, undermine support, and victim-blame. Therefore, resiliency for Black women and girls requires clarification on how and why it is used and understood by researchers and practitioners. This article examines the experiences of Black women and girls by (a) evaluating the use of resiliency research and theoretical frameworks (Luthar et al., 2000; Spencer, 2005); (b) exploring unrecognized strengths and vulnerabilities across the lifespan; and (c) providing recommendations for researchers, interventionists, and practitioners to rethink resilience for Black women and girls. Black feminist thought and womanism frameworks are integrated to promote sustained healthy development for Black women and girls. Resiliency can only be promoted in Black women and girls if (a) immediate psychosocial and physical needs are addressed while (b) concurrently eliminating systemic barriers and social norms that allow Black women and girls to experience outsized adversity. Public Significance Statement: Using research and theoretical frameworks, this article clarifies and redefines how resiliency is understood for Black women and girls. Rather than pressuring Black women and girls to be resilient, radical shifts in societal norms and the elimination of systemic barriers are necessary for enduring health. The article explores unrecognized vulnerabilities and strengths across the lifespan as opportunities to create avenues for healthy functioning for Black women and girls. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
0003066X
Volume :
79
Issue :
8
Database :
Academic Search Index
Journal :
American Psychologist
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
180762903
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1037/amp0001304