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Racialized Labor Among Black Women: Implications for Counseling, Research, Training, and Advocacy
Journal article   Peer reviewed

Racialized Labor Among Black Women: Implications for Counseling, Research, Training, and Advocacy

Alex A. Ajayi, Tabitha Grier-Reed, Breyonnah Wade, Oluwatofunmi Oteju, Anna V. Bahr-Fite, Adam C. Baker and Doneila L. McIntosh
The Counseling psychologist, v 54(4), pp 574-609
01 May 2026

Abstract

Psychology, Applied Psychology Social Sciences
The current study examined racialized labor, or the ongoing work of navigating race and racism, in a national sample of 165 Black women. Building on prior research with Black college students, we used a deductive approach to assess how participants' narratives reflected established domains of racialized labor and extended this work by identifying their intersectional dimensions. Five of the six previously identified domains were evident: flexing, affirming, self-monitoring, questioning, and being the change. Notably, we did not find examples of avoidance; instead, a new domain of resisting emerged. Across domains, intersectionality intensified demands and shaped strategies. Somewhat paradoxically, narratives often highlighted positive outcomes of racialized labor, such as pride, resilience, and strength, while also revealing a desire to be free from it. We discuss implications for research, practice, training, and advocacy, emphasizing the need to recognize this overlooked labor and develop culturally responsive interventions that promote Black women's well-being.

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#10 Reduced Inequalities

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Collaboration types
Domestic collaboration
Web of Science research areas
Psychology, Applied
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