"Now as a 50 year old woman, I know who I am": Older Black Women Reflecting on Dating and Marrying White Men

Abstract:How do older Black women interpret their past and present intimate relationships with white men? In 26 interviews, Black women ranging from 40 to late 70 years old describe their experiences dating and/or marrying white men. Interviewees consider the societal context in which they engage in these relationships, noting differences in intimate interactions with white men in their youth versus their current age. When recollecting their experiences as younger women, interviewees reflect on messages about white men they were taught by older generations, body politics, and engaging with white men in the face of the historical subjugation of white men over Black women. When explaining their contemporary relationships, Black women state white men tend to be persistent, devoted, and accept them as they are. Our results are indicative of the importance of time and generation in interracial relationships that Black women engage in. We apply Black Feminist Thought to elucidate Black women's dynamics in these types of interracial relationships. These findings may be applied more broadly to the study of interracial relationships, and to intimate relationships in general, as we highlight how societal-level events and expectations have the power to impact interpersonal relationships.