Designing Qualitative Research With African American Mothers of Young Children

Abstract

In this case study, I use a self-reflexive approach to discuss how I designed and conducted a qualitative dissertation, based on grounded theory methodology, on the racial socialization practices of African American mothers with young children. Additionally, I discuss how I used intersectionality situated within a Black feminist framework in the research. Intersectionality is a critical race concept that was first articulated to explain how race, class, and gender interact to create unique life experiences for African American women. It has since been expanded to include the distinct experiences of individuals from other marginalizes groups as well. An overarching goal of my research was to increase the visibility of African American mothers of young children in the racial socialization literature. In my discussion, I focus on the nuances of my experience while offering students practical information on how to design a research study with African American mothers including the appropriateness of using a Black feminist and intersectionality theoretical framework. I consider the benefits and challenges of designing research about African American women and their families.

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