Worldview and Strengths-Based Perspectives: Defining Normative Development for African American Female Adolescents—Implications for Black South African Female Adolescents

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to examine and understand the social and biological development of inner-city adolescent females in the United States, especially those impacted by poverty and who experience oppression. Africans and their descendents are viewed within a context of negativity throughout the nation and world (Billingsley, 1968, 1992; Hurd, Moore, & Roger, 1995; Ladner, 1972). Oftentimes, their struggles are viewed within a context of personal failures and not within the context of system injustices (Billingsley, 1968, 1992; Hill, 1972; Logan, 1990). Thus, their social development is viewed as abnormal. However, this author purports that there are factors that define the normative development of inner-city adolescent females. These findings have implications for Black female adolescents in South Africa as well. Those implications are delineated in this article.