Rearing Daughters While Loving Sons: Single African American Mother’s Differential Parenting Style and Son’s Academia

• In Event: Race, Class, and Gender Issues in Higher Education

Abstract

A matter of contention facing the United States of America is the academic trajectory of African American males. Research reveals their academic marginalization is reflected in schools as well as the larger society. This manuscript purposes to a). synthesize contemporary literature that explains systemic policies and practices that cultivate African American males’ underperformance, b). explore how academically successful African American females perceive their mother’s differential parenting acts, and c) empower single-mothers of African American boys through a non-deficit framework. Data analyses revealed the following themes A.) Tight Rope for Daughters, Lose Leash for Sons, B.) Grace for Daughters, Mercy for Sons, C.) Sacrifice v. Entitlement, D). Cum Laude, Thank you Lord, and E.) Daughter Sought College, Brother Sought Independence.

Author

• Johnitha Watkins Johnson, University of Houston