The cost of intersectionality: Motherhood, mental health, and the state of the country

Abstract

The Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic and society's overdue racial awakening (Worland, 2020) have created distinct needs for mothers, especially mothers of Color (MOC) in the United States (US) (Breman et al., 2021; Liu et al., 2021). Prior to the double pandemic (see Addo, 2020), expectations that mothers devote themselves entirely to their children may support increases in mental health symptomology within this population (Rahman et al., 2013). Based on systemic inequities that reside at the foundation of many institutions (e.g., healthcare, law, education) within the US, MOC experience increased worry, anxiety, stress, and fear during the double pandemic (Liu et al., 2021). In addition, MOC engage in mothering practices (e.g., racial socialization) that are unique to raising children who identify as Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) (Hughes & Chen et al., 1997). Based on these facts, the authors investigate the sociocultural forces that impact MOC's mental health during the context of the double pandemic through a review of existent literature on this topic. The authors’ analysis and incorporation of intersectionality theory and Black feminist thought uncovers the ways in which these forces may influence the experiences of MOC. Finally, the authors utilize an intersectional-based policy analysis framework (Hankivsky et al., 2014) to provide recommendations for social policy, education and training, and directions for future research. These recommendations acknowledge the influence of power and privilege in the US while building upon the protective factors that support MOC.