Publication Date
March 2013
DOI
https://doi.org/10.25774/9znt-5e68
First Page
16
Last Page
34
Abstract
Seidman’s (1998) Three-Interview Series was conducted with eight African American sorority women to explore history, details, and meaning of their body image. These themes were identified: Weight Trumps Everything Else, Family Criticism and Comparison, How I Look in Clothes, Intra-cultural Understanding of Black Women’s Bodies, Health Awareness, Media Responsibility, and Age. Participants made connections between sorority stereotypes and body image. Participants questioned motivation (self versus society) behind their feelings and behaviors. Participants wanted to help others achieve body image acceptance. Findings challenge the notion that African American women are “culturally protected” from body image dissatisfaction. Implications for practice are discussed.
Recommended Citation
Selzer, Robin Arnsperger Ph.D.
(2013)
"Weight Matters: African American Sorority Women Speak up About Body Image,"
Journal of Sorority and Fraternity Life Research and Practice: Vol. 8:
Iss.
1, Article 4.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.25774/9znt-5e68
Available at:
https://scholarworks.wm.edu/oracle/vol8/iss1/4
