Re-thinking Integration: Black Beauty Salons in the Post-Civil Rights Era

• In Event: 1140 - Blacks and African Americans

Abstract

The following paper challenges the primacy of social science research on integration that privileges predominantly white spaces. I argue the dominant view of integration takes for granted that integration exists only within predominantly white spaces (e.g., neighborhoods, schools, businesses), with a small number of racial/ethnic minorities integrating these environments. I use ironic integration to describe instances of interracial contact among blacks and whites in predominantly black settings, specifically contemporary black-owned beauty salons. Utilizing data from a 14-month multi-city ethnographic study on black beauty salon culture, I examine how whites come into the space of salons catering to a predominantly black clientele and the perspectives of clients, salon owners, and stylists regarding this phenomenon. I describe various “types” of white clients choosing to frequent these predominantly black business settings. White clients discuss a range of reasons for entering these business spaces, including hair care services provided, welcoming atmosphere, proximity, and a high satisfaction with hairstyling services. My research illustrates that instances of ironic integration present both promises and limitations in understanding the process of integration within the context of the new millennium.

Author

• Ingrid Banks, University of California - Santa Barbara