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Reconceptualizing successful aging among black women and the relevance of the strong black woman archetype
- Authors:
- BAKER Tamara A., et al
- Journal article citation:
- Gerontologist, 55(1), 2015, pp.51-57.
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
Although there are multiple pathways to successful ageing, little is known of what it means to age successfully among black women. There is a growing body of literature suggesting that black women experience a number of social challenges (sexism and racism) that may present as barriers to ageing successfully. Applying aspects of the Strong Black Women ideal, into theoretical concepts of successful ageing, may be particularly relevant in understanding which factors impair or promote the ability of black women to age successfully. The Strong Black Women archetype is a culturally salient ideal prescribing that black women render a guise of self-reliance, selflessness, and psychological, emotional, and physical strength. Although this ideal has received considerable attention in the behavioural sciences, it has been largely absent within the gerontology field. Nevertheless, understanding the dynamics of this cultural ideal may enhance our knowledge while developing an appreciation of the black woman’s ability to age successfully. Rather than summarise the social, physical, and mental health literature focusing on health outcomes of black women, this conceptual review examines the Strong Black Women archetype and its application to the lived experiences of black women and contributions to current theories of successful ageing. Focusing on successful ageing exclusively among black women enhances our understanding of this group by considering their identity as women of colour while recognising factors that dictate their ability to age successfully. (Edited publisher abstract)