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Coping in Isolation

The Experiences of Black Women in White Communities

Oregon Health and Science University, Portland

This exploratory study used a critical hermeneutic, which combined Black feminist epistemology and Gadamerian hermeneutics, to understand the experiences of Black middle-class women who relocated to the Pacific Northwest, a predominately White community. Fourteen Black women were interviewed about their experiences living in the Pacific Northwest; specifically, their coping strategies were examined. Although many themes emerged, the interpretive layer of analysis required of a critical hermeneutic methodology offered an understanding of the simultaneous influence of both racism and sexism on their experiences. Findings revealed that the women felt socially and culturally isolated and the need for support networks and positive racial socialization messages was significant. Findings also reinforced the effect of class and the danger of homogenizing Black women's experiences. Participants' recommendations for recruitment and retention are included.

Key Words: Black women • coping • racial socialization • support networks • White environments • recruitment and retention • critical hermeneutics • Black feminism

This version was published on March 1, 2008

Journal of Black Studies, Vol. 38, No. 4, 547-564 (2008)
DOI: 10.1177/0021934706288144


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