African American Single Mothers: Understanding Their Lives and Families / Edition 1

by Bette J. Dickerson

Overview

In the past, research about African American single mothers and their families has been done using conventional paradigms based upon models of the dominant culture. This practice has resulted in the creation of stereotypes and misconceptions about "the black family." In this collection of original work by an interdisciplinary group of scholars, the African American mother-centered family is reevaluated to present a clearer and more accurate picture of its actual structure and function. Using an Afrocentric, feminist perspective, the contributors examine the history, legal dilemmas, media images, and religious values of these families. The roles of children, grandparents, fathers and other men, other support people, and the government are reviewed. Presenting an informed, insiders view of the African American single-mother household, the contributors suggest more effective and sensitive policy approaches and a more useful role for scholars/activists in this field. This is crucial reading for students and scholars of race/ethnicity studies, black studies, child development, gender studies, social work, sociology, psychology, and policy studies. "African American Single Mothers examines the lives of women outside of the usual stereotypes and misconceptions. Original work by scholars evaluate the African American mother-centered family's function and values." --The Bookwatch "This volume reevaluates the research on families headed by African American single mothers and displaces the stereotypes and misconceptions created by previous research. Using an Afrocentric feminist perspective, the authors examine the history, legal dilemmas, media images, and religious values of these familiesand review the roles of children, grandparents, and the government. With an insider view that calls for the use of more sensitive and effective policy approaches, the book is intended for students and scholars of race studies, black studies, sociology, and social work." --Journal of Social Work Education

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780803949126
Publisher:	SAGE Publications
Publication date:	01/17/1995
Series:	SAGE Series on Race and Ethnic Relations Series , #10
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	232
Product dimensions:	5.50(w) x 8.50(h) x 0.54(d)

Table of Contents

Introduction - Bette J Dickerson
Centering Studies of African American Single Mothers and Their Families - Bette J Dickerson
Female-Headed Households in Sociohistorical Perspective - Norma J Burgess
Women's Life-Affirming Morals and the Cultural Unity of African Peoples - Annie Ruth Leslie
Teenaged Mothers - Sharon Elise
A Sense of Self
Single Parenting - Dhyana Ziegler
A Visual Analysis
The Impact of the Law on Single Mothers and the 'Innocent' - Willa Mae Hemmons
African American Children in Single-Mother Families - Suzanne M Randolph
The Role of the Grandmother in Poor Single-Mother Families and Households - Susan M George and Bette J Dickerson
Gender, Poverty, Culture and Economy - Rose M Brewer
Theorizing Female-Led Families
Empowerment Through the 'Ordinary' Knowledge/Scholarship/Policy Nexus - Bette J Dickerson, Philipia L Hillman and Johanna E Foster