Body image concerns are prevalent in today’s society, affecting individuals across different racial and cultural backgrounds. However, the experiences of Black American women in managing body dissatisfaction have often been overlooked. In a recent study conducted by Elizabeth Hughes in 2021, the focus shifted towards understanding how Black American women negotiate their self-image when it comes to conflicts with racialized bodily ideals. This article aims to explore and shed light on the main findings of Hughes’ research, highlighting the discursive frameworks and broader implications for body politics.

What is the main focus of the article?

The main focus of this research article is to investigate how Black American women navigate and manage body dissatisfaction when they do not conform to the idealized “thick” body type often associated with their racial pride. Previous studies have primarily focused on the body satisfaction of Black women in comparison to their white counterparts. However, this study takes a different approach by examining the experiences of women who describe themselves as failing to embody the expected thickness. By delving into their narratives, the author aims to uncover how these women reconcile the conflict between their own self-image and culturally defined ideals.

How do Black American women reconcile body dissatisfaction?

The research conducted by Hughes involved in-depth interviews with 31 Black American women of diverse body sizes and shapes. Through these interviews, the study reveals that women employ discursive frameworks, such as healthism and the strong Black woman ideology, to manage their body dissatisfaction. On one hand, these discourses provide a defense mechanism against criticisms of violating the expected thickness, thus enabling these women to maintain their self-esteem. However, it is important to note that these frameworks can also contribute to stigmatizing other forms of embodiment, creating a complex dynamic in their attempts to assuage their body image concerns.

“Embracing resilience has always been essential to Black women’s survival, and this is evident in their strategies for reconciling body dissatisfaction. By invoking healthism, they redirect attention to their overall well-being rather than exclusively focusing on their physical appearance.”

What discursive frameworks do women rely on?

In her study, Hughes identifies two key discursive frameworks utilized by Black American women to negotiate their body dissatisfaction:

1. Healthism:

Healthism refers to the emphasis on maintaining one’s physical and mental well-being. Black American women often rely on healthism as a discursive framework to affirm their body image, focusing on overall health rather than conforming to a specific body type. By prioritizing their well-being, they shift the narrative away from societal expectations and redirect attention towards internal measures of self-worth.

2. Strong Black Woman Ideology:

The strong Black woman ideology emphasizes strength, resilience, and enduring toughness as fundamental traits of Black womanhood. Women incorporate this ideology into their self-image as a means to combat body dissatisfaction. By embodying and celebrating their strength, they challenge the idealized notions of thickness and break free from external expectations.

“These discursive frameworks empowered Black women to reclaim agency over their own bodies, challenging the rigid and narrow standards imposed by society.”

What are the broader implications of the findings?

The findings of this study have broader implications within the realm of body politics. By uncovering the strategies employed by Black American women to manage body dissatisfaction, the research challenges essentialized notions of thickness that have historically been imposed upon them. It highlights the agency of Black women in resisting and critiquing idealized beauty standards while also shedding light on the potential negative consequences of these discursive frameworks, such as the stigmatization of other body types. Understanding these nuances is crucial for promoting body diversity and fostering a more inclusive society.

What suggestions are offered for future research?

This research paves the way for future studies that delve deeper into the complex relationship between race, body image, and societal expectations. Some suggestions for further research include:

  • Exploring the experiences of Black American women who do conform to the idealized “thick” body type and understanding how their body image is influenced.
  • Examining the intersections of race, gender, and body image in relation to mental health outcomes.
  • Investigating how societal norms and media representations influence the body image concerns of Black American women.

“Continuing research in this area will contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of body politics and pave the way for interventions and support systems that promote body acceptance and inclusivity for all.”

To access the full research article, please visit: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/0021934720972440

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