Womanism, feminism, and relationship satisfaction in African American women

Anike R Adekoya, Purdue University

Abstract

A study by Rudman and Phelan (2007), found that a feminist orientation may predict increased relationship satisfaction in a mostly White sample; no similar study was conducted with an African American sample. Additionally, sociological theories and previous research suggest that womanism may be a better fit than feminism for explaining the intrapersonal and interpersonal experiences of African Americans. The present study examines the relationships between womanism, feminism and relationship satisfaction among African American women in heterosexual relationships. Results showed that, within this African American female sample (N = 53), neither womanist nor feminist constructs were reliable predictors of relationship satisfaction. The sample seemed to identify more strongly with the positive, healthy, internalization stages of gender identity development and a balanced cultural orientation than with liberal feminism. Still, the internalized stages of racial and gender identity were also highly correlated with a feminist orientation, while the less integrated stages were correlated with lower feminist orientation, suggesting that feminism and womanism may have some complementary aspects that appeal to African American women. The clinical and research implications of the study's results are discussed herein.

Degree

M.S.

Advisors

Nalbone, Purdue University.

Subject Area

African American Studies|Behavioral psychology|Womens studies

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