Date of Award
9-12-2006
Degree Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Department
Counseling and Psychological Services
First Advisor
Y. Barry Chung, Ph.D. - Chair
Second Advisor
Joel Meyers, Ph.D.
Third Advisor
Leslie Jackson, Ph.D.
Fourth Advisor
Catherine Y. Chang, Ph.D.
Abstract
This qualitative study explored racial/ethnic and gender identities of African descent women. Specifically, 13 African descent women were interviewed about influences on their racial/ethnic and gender identities, the process by such identities developed in order to assess the applicability of current theories, and whether they perceive an interaction between their racial/ethnic and gender identities. Phase One, an initial focus group informed Phase Two of the study; individual interviews. Phase Three, a member-checking focus group, validated themes generated from data analysis. All focus groups and interview sessions followed a semi-structured format. Family, educational experiences, physical features, oppressive experiences, political movements, and religious/spiritual influences were found to shape racial/ethnic identity among participants. Gender identity was found to be influenced by family, motherhood, religion, and physicality. Current identity models were found to, in partially, describe racial/ethnic identity development. Womanist identity was found to most accurately describe the participant’s gender identity development. Finally, an interaction between racial/ethnic and gender identity development was endorsed, however articulation of this relationship was difficult. Research and practical implications are discussed.
Recommended Citation
Williams, Wendi Saree, "African Descent Women's Conceptualization of Ethnic/Racial and Gender Identities." Dissertation, Georgia State University, 2006.
https://scholarworks.gsu.edu/cps_diss/2