Black Psych exam 2

How has the history of slavery and segregation influenced African American family structures and kinship patterns? 

During slavery, families were often separated, with members being sold to different plantations, which disrupted traditional family bonds and kinship relations. As a result, African American families developed strong networks of kinship that extended beyond immediate family ties to include a wider community of support, often referred to as "fictive kinship."

Segregation further impacted African American families by enforcing social and economic isolation, creating unique challenges in building stable family structures. The legacy of these historical experiences has led to the resilience of African American families, characterized by strong communal ties, support systems, and a commitment to maintaining family connections despite external challenges.

What is the role of extended family networks in African American communities?

Extended family networks play a crucial role in African American communities by providing emotional support, a sense of belonging, and shared resources, which contribute to resilience among individuals and families.

How do extended family networks contribute to emotional support?

These networks offer a reliable source of emotional encouragement, practical assistance, and social connections that help families cope with challenges and maintain stability.

What cultural values related to kinship and family are prominent in African American communities?

Cultural values such as strong familial loyalty, respect for elders, and the importance of community support are prominent in African American communities, reinforcing the significance of kinship ties and collective well-being.

How do these values shape interpersonal relationships and community cohesion?

Cultural values such as respect for elders, loyalty, and mutual support foster deep interpersonal relationships and strengthen community cohesion among African American families.

What is racial socialization and what does it do?

The process through which individuals, particularly children, learn about their racial or ethnic identity, as well as the social norms and values related to their race. This process involves understanding and navigating the dynamics of race in society.

Helps individuals develop a positive racial identity, build resilience against discrimination, and prepare for the challenges associated with being part of a particular racial group.

What are some of the systematic barriers that African American students face in the education system?

Systematic barriers include inequitable funding, discriminatory discipline practices, limited access to advanced courses, lower academic expectations, and cultural mismatches in teaching.

How do these barriers affect their academic achievement and access to higher education?

• Lower academic achievement (not due to ability, but opportunity)

• Reduced access to college preparation resources

• Lower self-efficacy (students may believe they are less capable)

• A self-fulfilling prophecy, where expectations influence performance

Why has early intelligence testing on African American children been criticized?

suggested Black children scored lower due to biological differences, but this has been widely discredited. The real issue is that these tests:

• Ignored environmental factors (poverty, schooling, access)

• Reflected cultural bias (questions based on white, middle-class norms)

• Measured opportunity rather than intelligence

This led to harmful stereotypes and unequal educational opportunities

What is stereotype threat and how does it affect students?

the fear of confirming a negative stereotype about one’s group. For African American students, this can create stress and anxiety during tests, which lowers performance—even if the student is capable.

What is dis-identification with education?

When students repeatedly face discrimination or failure, they may begin to disconnect their identity from academics. This protects self-esteem but can reduce motivation and achievement.

What strategies can improve educational outcomes for African American students?

• Equitable funding for schools

• Access to early childhood education (sets long-term success)

• Positive reinforcement from teachers and parents

• Culturally relevant teaching (students see themselves in content)

• Reducing reliance on biased standardized tests

Support systems can counteract negative societal influences.

Why is studying neighborhoods important?

It directly shape life outcomes. Due to historical segregation, many Black communities have:

• Lower-quality schools

• Limited job opportunities

• Less access to healthcare and safe environments

This affects education, income, and overall well-being.

How do community resources influence youth development?

Strong community support (mentors, programs, family involvement) can:

• Improve academic success

• Increase confidence

• Provide emotional and social support

Why is community important in African American culture?

shared history and collective resilience. It provides:

• Emotional and social support

• A sense of identity and belonging

• Cultural continuity (passing down traditions and values)

There is a strong emphasis on collectivism—valuing the group over the individual.

How do community psychology and Africentric psychology compare?

Both emphasize:

• Community and shared responsibility

• Social support and collective well-being

Differences:

• Africentric psychology includes spirituality and cultural identity

• Community psychology is more research-based and broader

What was Murdock’s definition of family, and is it still relevant?

defined family as a nuclear unit (mother, father, children).
This is now considered outdated because families today include:

• Extended family

• Single-parent households

• Non-biological relationships

Modern definitions focus more on connection and support, not structure.

What is love in African cultures?

Love is often expressed through:

• Caring for others in the community

• Supporting family and elders

• Responsibility and respect

It is not limited to romantic relationships.

What is colorism and how does it affect individuals?

discrimination based on skin tone, where lighter skin is often viewed as more desirable due to historical ties to whiteness. This can affect:

• Self-esteem

• Social status

• Opportunities

How are hair texture and appearance viewed?

Natural hair textures have historically been labeled as “unprofessional,” reflecting bias toward European beauty standards. This can lead to discrimination in school and workplaces.

What is the difference between spirituality and religion?

• Spirituality: personal connection to a higher power, flexible and individual

• Religion: organized system with rules, practices, and institutions

Why did many African Americans adopt Christianity?

Christianity was introduced during slavery, often used by slave owners to promote obedience. However, African Americans reinterpreted it as a source of:

• Hope

• Liberation

• Strength

How did African Americans relate to Jesus?

Jesus was seen as someone who suffered unjustly, which made him relatable. His story symbolized:

• Endurance

• Justice

• Eventual freedom

How does spirituality help people cope?

• Provides meaning during hardship

• Offers emotional comfort

• Encourages resilience and hope

How does workplace discrimination affect African Americans?

• Fewer promotion opportunities

• Wage inequality

• Increased stress and mental health challenges

Why might systems keep certain populations undereducated?

• Maintain economic and social hierarchies

• Limit competition for jobs/power

• Control labor force

What is the goal of the college experience?

• Exposure to new ideas and cultures

• Development of critical thinking

• Personal and professional growth

Compare and contrast the Black definition of family to the traditional definition.

The Black definition of family is more extended and inclusive, often including fictive kin and non-blood relatives, whereas the traditional definition is typically nuclear (parents and children only).

What is fictive kin?

Non-biological relationships that function as family, providing emotional and social support.

What was the Great Migration? Key characteristics?

The movement of African Americans from the rural South to urban North for better opportunities, along with a return migration to reconnect with family in the South.

Compare and contrast Black and White single-parent households.

Black single-parent households are more likely to rely on extended family support systems, while White single-parent households are more likely to rely on formal institutional support.

What is the role of grandmothers in Black families? What is the role of Black fathers?

Grandmothers often act as caregivers and provide emotional and financial support; Black fathers contribute through guidance, support, and involvement, often within extended family structures.

Describe parenting among LGBTQ+ couples.

LGBTQ+ parents often emphasize inclusivity, communication, and resilience, while also navigating societal stigma and discrimination.

What is racial socialization?

The process of teaching children about racial identity and how to navigate race in society.

What are the 3 strategies of racial socialization?

Cultural socialization, preparation for bias, and promotion of mistrust (with caution).

What are historical perspectives on education?

During slavery, education for Black individuals was restricted or prohibited to maintain control and limit advancement.

Describe Booker T. Washington and the “thrift, economy, and push” principle.

Booker T. Washington emphasized self-help, vocational training, economic independence, and gradual progress through hard work.

Describe disciplinary actions and treatment in schools.

Black and Hispanic students are disproportionately subjected to harsher disciplinary actions compared to White students.

Describe special education for Black individuals.

Black students are often overrepresented due to bias and misidentification, leading to inequities in placement and support.

What are HBCUs and why were they created?

Historically Black Colleges and Universities were established during segregation to provide higher education opportunities for Black students excluded from predominantly White institutions.

Discuss Black-sounding vs White-sounding names.

Resumes with Black-sounding names are less likely to receive callbacks due to implicit bias in hiring practices.

Compare Gesellschaft and Gemeinschaft.

Gesellschaft refers to large, impersonal societies, while Gemeinschaft refers to small, close-knit communities with personal relationships.

What is a community? What is community psychology?

A community is a group with shared identity and support systems; community psychology studies how social systems affect well-being.

Identify states with larger African American communities.

Georgia, Alabama, Louisiana, Texas, Mississippi.

Discuss the nature of relationships.

Relationships are influenced by history, culture, geography, and family background.

Compare equitable exchange and communal relationships.

Equitable exchange involves mutual give-and-take, while communal relationships involve one partner meeting needs without expecting direct reciprocation.

Discuss romantic relationships and love.

Compassionate love involves deep long-term care, while passionate love involves intense emotional and physical attraction.

Discuss mate selection and availability among Black individuals.

Influenced by educational disparities, social opportunities, and demographic availability.

What are key components of attraction in the Black community?

Positive factors include education and status; negative factors include colorism, body standards, and texturism.

LGBTQ+ relationships.

LGBTQ+ individuals often face discrimination and rely heavily on community support, with intersectional identities shaping experience

interracial romance

relationships may face societal bias, cultural differences, and external pressures.

What is early intelligence testing and how does it affect Black individuals?

Early intelligence tests were culturally biased and failed to account for environmental factors, leading to inaccurate conclusions about Black intellectual ability.

Discuss research on language perception (AAVE).

African American Vernacular English (AAVE) is often stigmatized, leading to misjudgments in educational and professional settings despite being a legitimate dialect.

Compare Eurocentric and African-centered epistemologies.

Eurocentric epistemology emphasizes individualism and objectivity, while African-centered epistemology emphasizes collectivism, community, and cultural context.

What demographic factors are associated with religious activity?

Higher participation among women, older adults, Southern populations, and historically influenced by events like the Civil Rights Movement.

Describe the Nation of Islam.

A religious and political movement that combines elements of Islam with Black empowerment, self-reliance, and racial identity.

What are some LGBTQ+ issues regarding religion and spirituality?

LGBTQ+ individuals may face exclusion or condemnation in religious spaces, leading to conflict between identity and faith.