Black Girls, College Women, and the Sociocultural Exploration of Body Image and Gendered Racial Identity

• In Event: Challenges and Resistance of Women of Color

Abstract

The purpose of this qualitative case study is to explore the role of Hip Hop culture and social media on the development and socialization of Black adolescent girls (ages 14-17) and college women’s (19-35) body image, how body image ideals subsequently informed gendered racial identity development, and how these ideals informed their high school and college experiences. Preliminary results yielded 3 themes surrounding the impact of early developmental experiences, the impact of men and patriarchal influences, and the usage of Hip Hop and social media to de- and re-construct gendered racial identities and body image ideals. Implications regarding the interconnection between body image and Black women’s identity as well as adolescent and college peer connections will be discussed.

Authors

• Ashley Houston, Missouri State University

• Mykah Doolin, Washington University in St. Louis

• Riley Brady, Missouri State University