Objectification and adultification of black girls in the USA
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 19473035 |
|---|---|
| Authors | I Opara (0000-0002-1118-4699, Yale University, corresponding author), Jallicia Jolly (0000-0002-5778-3320, Amherst College), Jaleah Rutledge (Yale University), Jaleah D Rutledge (0000-0001-7862-4786, Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Yale University School of Public Health), Jeneve R Brooks (0000-0002-4222-5721, Department of Psychology, University of California), Jasmin R Brooks Stephens, Raquel E Rose (0000-0003-4888-862X, Yale University), Beatriz Duran-Becerra (0000-0002-0421-0895, Yale University), Ndidiamaka Amutah-Onukagha (Tufts University), Ndidiamaka N Amutah-Onukagha (0000-0003-1194-9927, Tufts University) |
| Year | 2026 |
| Pages | 1-12 |
| Publication date | 2026-06-01 |
| Peer Reviewed | Yes |
| Open Access | No |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Culture Health & Sexuality (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 1369-1058 • E-ISSN: 1464-5351 |
| Publisher | Informa UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB) |
| DOI | 10.1080/13691058.2026.2669280 |
| PMID | 42226618 |
| OpenAlex | W7163150093 |
| Language | EN |
| References cited | 34 |
Gendered racism has a negative impact on Black girls in the USA and can contribute to their adultification and the objectification of their bodies, leading to poorer health outcomes. This study sought to analyse the historical and sociocultural factors that shape this sexual objectification and adultification. Intersectionality theory and objectification theory were used to frame our examination of how gendered racial stereotypes impact Black girl's oversexualisation and adultification, and how such experiences impact their views of the self. Data were collected through twelve focus groups involving Black girls in the USA. Three major themes were developed from the data: (1) body evaluation, (2) adultification, (3) gendered racism. Findings are discussed in terms of their implications for developing prevention programming for youth that challenges the sexual objectifying practices that may harm Black girls
Harm · Intersectionality · Objectification · Poison control · Racism · Sociocultural evolution · Suicide prevention · Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health · Child Abuse and Trauma · Gender Roles and Identity Studies · Human Factors and Ergonomics
Understanding Everyday Racism
A Transactional/Ecological Perspective on Ethnic–Racial Identity, Socialization, and Discrimination
The Impact of Racism on the Sexual and Reproductive Health of African American Women
Race-Based Sexual Stereotypes, Gendered Racism, and Sexual Decision Making Among Young Black Cisgender Women
A Qualitative Exploration of Jezebel Stereotype Endorsement and Sexual Behaviors Among Black College Women
Protecting young Black female sexuality
Pride and Sexiness
More than Jezebels and Freaks
Beyond Objectification
African American Women’s Sexual Objectification Experiences
I'm No Jezebel; I am Young, Gifted, and Black
Objectification Theory
Media Contributions to African American Girls' Focus on Beauty and Appearance
Growing Up Too “Fast”
Gendered Racism and Mental Health among Young Adult U.S. Black Women
Hear our voices”
Invited Commentary
Predictors and health-related outcomes of positive body image in adolescent girls
Sexual Objectification of Women
Black Girl Blues
Resistance and Gendered Racism
Using thematic analysis in psychology
Mapping the Margins
The Problem With the Phrase Women and Minorities
Gendered Racism in the Lives of Black Women
Feeling Invisible and Unheard
| Citation velocity | historical |
|---|---|
| Highly cited | No |