What is it about?

The study explored how 12 Black Caribbean women, aged 18-24, embraced their natural hair journey using social networking sites (SNS). Participants found SNS as supportive spaces to understand their hair identity. They shared, viewed, and learned about "going natural" on platforms like Facebook and YouTube. Natural hair symbolizes self-expression and individuality, especially for Black women. Despite historical biases favoring processed hair, SNS fostered a sense of community, offering insights and validation for embracing natural hair among these women.

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Why is it important?

Understanding the impact of social networking sites (SNS) on Black Caribbean women embracing their natural hair is crucial. It sheds light on how SNS serve as platforms for self-expression, support, and exploration of identity. This research helps address the complexities of hair identity and its ties to societal standards, offering insights into the significance of natural hair in challenging Eurocentric beauty norms. Recognizing SNS as tools fostering empowerment and community building among Black women aids in creating more inclusive spaces, challenging discriminatory practices, and promoting self-acceptance within diverse cultural contexts, thereby contributing to a more inclusive and affirming societal narrative around hair and identity.

Perspectives

The study is pivotal in revealing how social networking sites empower Black Caribbean women by nurturing self-identity and challenging societal beauty norms. Understanding these impacts enhances discussions on identity formation, cultural acceptance, and the influence of online spaces on individual empowerment.

Professor Donna-Maria B. Maynard
University of the West Indies

Read the Original

This page is a summary of: Exploring Her Roots: Black Caribbean Hair Identity and Going Natural Using Social Media Networks, Journal of Black Psychology, November 2020, SAGE Publications,
DOI: 10.1177/0095798420971892.
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