“Come back home, sista!”: reactions to Black women in interracial relationships with white men

Abstract

ABSTRACT Black women in interracial relationships with white men perceive experiencing varying treatment due to expectations of who Black women should date and marry. Black women (N = 23) from across the United States describe their experiences dating and/or marrying white men. Interviewees explicitly and repeatedly express believing that they face social sanctions for being with white men. Judgment from Black men leads many Black women to feel shame, frustration, and that race x gender power differentials are at play in these responses. Judgment from white women leads Black women to believe the validity of their relationships is discredited. Black Feminist Thought and systemic racism reveal why Black women believe they face judgement for dating and/or marrying white men. Studying the perceived reactions to individuals with a double minority status (Black women) and a double majority status (white men) offers insight into the way social status can impact romantic relationships.