Teetering on the Edge: How Society Impacts on Black Women’s Mental Health 2Nd Edition

By Maizie Richards-Reid

There are several debates in reference to, the definitions of mental health and its contributory factors on black people’s life. There is also conflicting views by several authors and their failure to recognised cultural differences and the need for inclusion of black people’s experiences in research, while a majority of people from different background, ethnicity, and gender differentiation appears to be making more use of mental health provisions.

These concerns are examined through an approach that brought to the fore experiences of black women that have gone unnoticed; it’s like a nation without a history. Yet there are factors that are of great significance in understanding major obstacles that are known to be an historical factor in the life and in understanding of black women’s experiences.

The life history of black women in Britain, the paucity of literature on black related issues, and the negative impact of racism, and social Darwinism of marginalism on black women’s life comes with other social issues. The fact that black women still occupy denigrated roles and responsibility in a country where there has been much debates on equality of opportunities. Yet, equal access to training, housing and many other factors comes at a cost on black people’s every day experience.

Women are especially at risks from poor mental health compounded by other multi-layered factors. Such is inclusive of the lack of prestigious occupation associated with unequal access toward promotion. Certainly, these multifaceted realities can affect their performance in compromised to their health and ability to withstand negative influences.

This title ‘Teetering on the Edge’ attempts to improve upon the lack of resources on the experiences and historical account of black women of Caribbean descent in Britain and the direct results of their insurmountable experiences inclusive of the impact of injustices on related issues of health.
The uniqueness of this book seeks to make known these issues and to address the paucity of black women life experience from an historical perspective and the challenges of negatives that impacted their life and health in heightening public awareness of these issues.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris UK
• Release date: Aug 12, 2021
• ISBN: 9781664114944

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Copyright © 2021 by Maizie Richards-Reid.

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Rev. date: 08/20/2021

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SYNOPSIS

THERE ARE SEVERAL DEBATES in reference to, the definitions of mental health and its contributory factors on black people’s life. There is also conflicting views by several authors and their failure to recognised cultural differences and the need for inclusion of black people’s experiences in research, while a majority of people from different background, ethnicity, and gender differentiation appears to be making more use of mental health provisions.

These concerns are examined through an approach that brought to the fore experiences of black women that have gone unnoticed; it’s like a nation without a history. Yet there are factors that are of great significance in understanding major obstacles that are known to be an historical factor in the life and in understanding of black women’s experiences.

The life history of black women in Britain, the paucity of literature on black related issues, and the negative impact of racism, and social Darwinism of marginalism on black women’s life comes with other social issues. The fact that black women still occupy denigrated roles and responsibility in a country where there has been much debates on equality of opportunities. Yet, equal access to training, housing and many other factors comes at a cost on black people’s every day experience.

Women are especially at risks from poor mental health compounded by other multi-layered factors. Such is inclusive of the lack of prestigious occupation associated with unequal access toward promotion. Certainly, these multifaceted realities can affect their performance in compromised to their health and ability to withstand negative influences.

This title ‘Teetering on the Edge’ attempts to improve upon the lack of resources on the experiences and historical account of black women of Caribbean descent in Britain and the direct results of their insurmountable experiences inclusive of the impact of injustices on related issues of health.

The uniqueness of this book seeks to make known these issues and to address the paucity of black women life experience from an historical perspective and the challenges of negatives that impacted their life and health in heightening public awareness of these issues.

BIOGRAPHY

MAIZIE RICHARDS-REID WAS BORN, raised and part-educated in Jamaica West Indies. She attended West Indies Training College, now known as Northern Caribbean University, before migrating to England in the sixties and opting to settle in South Yorkshire in pursuit of her lifelong dream of becoming a nurse.

Her experience of entering the nursing profession was like those of the many Caribbean women who, although had the qualification to pursue State Registered Nursing (SRN) was directed towards the lesser State Enrolled Nursing (SEN) qualification route. Fortunately, another hospital finally accepted Maizie, where she could pursue her FRN nurse training course, and this became her stepping stone into general and Paediatric nursing.

In her nursing career, Maizie became aware of the insurmountable social problems that negatively impacted lives of a minority of people from certain community. This was evident on admissions with the types of injuries sustained.

This awareness challenged her perspectives and career direction to become a social worker. Maizie worked for years as a social work specialist and counsellor in preventative mental health, and later as a social work practitioner with adult mental health services within the black community.

She is one of the founding members of the Sheffield African- Caribbean Mental Health Association (SACMHA); an organisation that seeks to address the social, mental and psychological needs of black people who have become another statistic in the mental health services, as sufferer with some form of mental disability. Whilst also providing support to families and those deemed to be affected by the diagnosed disorder.

The author extensive knowledge in the field of mental health, her concerns regarding care, stigmatisation and characterisation of black users of services, has led her to embark on a PhD research into the areas of black women of Caribbean descent and mental health in Britain.

‘Through Great Struggles Come Beauty and Wisdom’

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

THERE IS A SAYING that no one walks alone on the journey of life! Thus, I would like to thank the following individuals for the support and inspiration given on this journey. To Professor Dominelli for her encouragements, to my cousin Beverly Chattoo, who spent countless hours assisting with the typing up of the original script. To Sadie Palmer and Victor D. Marshall, who helped me in different ways, I am ever thankful. I would especially like to thank the twenty women who willingly gave up their precious time to openly and honestly share their experiences with me. Their involvements have allowed me to produce this book. Thank you all. It is much appreciated.

To my children, Angela, Sonia, Sandrea and Paul Reid, thank you for your support, encouragement and for believing in me.

CONTENTS

Synopsis

Biography

Acknowledgements

Preface

Chapter 1 Introduction

An Overview

Chapter 2 Literature Review

Conceptual Framework of Women and Mental Health

Women’s Health and Ill-Conceived Ideas

Double Bind Approach and Gender Inequality

The Discourse Ideology of Woman’s Role and Disparities

Understanding Factors of Health

Differences and Beliefs

The Psychosocial and Political Aspects Around Depression

Gender Stereotypes

Perspectives of Race Gender and Mental Health

The Effects of Stigmatisation

Black Women’s Contribution to Britain and Obliteration of their Experience

Authors Varying Views of Mental Health

Examples of Dr Sharma Medical Model

Chapter 3 Review of Literature

Locating the History of Black Women in Britain

What has Colour Blindness got to do with Race?

Affirmative Action

Black Women and Self Definition

Black Literary

Language

Body Image

Black Music

Power Knowledge and Ideologies

Verifying Types of Power

Historical Perspective and the Diaspora of Caribbean People

Historical Overview and Immigration

Push and Pull Factors of Migration

The Laws on Immigration

British Citizenship

Chapter 4 Methodology

Historical Positions of Life History

The Power of Knowing

Alternative Paradigm

Choice of Approach

Researching those from the Margin’s

Gathering Black Women’s Experiences

Explanatory Variables

Politics and Criticism of Feminism

What is Feminist Research?

Black Concept

The Emergence of Black Feminist Epistemology

Aspects of Black Epistemology

The Role of the Researcher

Reliability and Validity

Validity

Processes

Recruitment of Participants

Pilot Study

Description and Tables of the Women’s Profiles

Collating Data

Template Analysis

Reflection on interviews

Transcribing

Creating and coding of Data

Splitting and Splicing of Findings

A Collection and Description of a Range of Themes

Discourse Analysis

Theoretical Framework for Understanding

Setting the Scene for Data Collection

Description of the Women’s Profile

Rosana

Clarinda

Susanna

Margo

Mariana

Nellina

Lormia

Sharees

Mariea

Mary

Sara

Shelina

Danielle

Jordon

Denise

Cynthia

Janice

Juliet

Sarah

Asha

Chapter 5 Patterns of Life History

Migration and Transition of Black British

Transitionally And Culture Clash

Culture Shock: Repercussion and Socialisation

Consequences; Instability and Childhood Experience

Stability: Women’s Role and Survival

Black Pupils: The Low Expectation of Them

Careers Guidance and Political Stereotyping

Employment Limitations: Ascribing to Equality of Opportunity

Razed by Negatives, or Strengthened by Experience

Competency and Professionalism: in the eyes of white and black perspectives

Marginalisation or Equality of Opportunities?

Black Women’s Place in Society

Black Professional Women/Middle-class and Oppression

Chapter 6 Discussion: Additional Perspectives on Related Themes

Women’s Experiences and Diversified Oppression

The Typologies of Race

Dispossession of Black Woman: captivating a macro view

Obstacles and Aspiration

Self Determination: Black Women’s Aspiration

Self Determination

Black Women’s Strength in Question

Beast of the Burden: the overburdened black woman

Matriarchal Myths

The Black Family and Genderisation

Family Roles, Values and Expectation

Childhood Socialisation and Birth Order

Chapter 7 Racism Revisited

Historical Factors

Introduction to Mental Health

Theoretical Reflection and Definition of Mental Health

Individual Perspectives and Interpretation of Mental Health

God versus the Church

Religious Disenchantment

Mental Health: Contributing Factors Participants Voices

Participants Perception and Experience of Stress

Effects of Stress in a Relationship/Work Environment

Causation of Stress

Stress in the workplace, another factor

Coping Strategies for Stress

Depressive Factors and Poor Mental Health

Medication and its Deliveries

Alternative Therapies

Psychosocial Model – Life History

Chapter 8 So What?

The Implication for Black Women’s Mental Health

Experience of Black Professional Women

Exploration of the Argument on Marginalisation

Black women marginalised

Their experience of marginalisation

Other emerging themes depict their experiences

Key Learning

Problems of Institutional Discrimination

The Message of White Supremacy

The Implications of Institutional Racism

Why is Black Women Accessing Mental Health Services?

Recommendation for Further Research

The Author’s Journey

References

PREFACE

ISSUES OF MENTAL HEALTH problems amongst the black race have been a subject of debate for centuries. Discussions, perceptions and speculations surrounding causes and treatments have formed the basis of many arguments, and the needs of those who seek answers to the interpretations.

The book, therefore, highlights several aspects of the assertion of an under-researched subject and the quest to find a solution is always on the mind of the many.

The on-going debates and controversies have undoubtedly inspired and influenced the outcome of this book.

Everyone has a story to tell. Stories are everything that is woven together through time, are powerful, liberating, and an inspiring art that allows persons to express themselves while disclosing issues that can bring about a transformation and healing for those who deemed it necessary to do so.

Teetering on the Edge gives an academic and social account of black women of Caribbean descent in Britain, including various arguments around perceptions and definition of mental health by various authors.

The voices of twenty women of colour and their approach during the process of inquiry who took part in the project, unreservedly expressed their views and experiences, not only in the form of story-telling but it gave an opportunity that would help restore faith in themself; a restoration of one’s belief that got side-tracked along the way.

In support of the arguments unveiled by women and the diverse opinions of authors views on related issues as to the definition and contributory factors of mental health, underpin the debate.

The comprehensive account of the various arguments and debates on black related issues, presents a working tool as an opening and a given opportunity from a theoretical perspective for those who are directly and indirectly involved with the care, administration and providers of services in formulation of new policies, practices and procedures with vulnerable individuals and groups of people from a diversified culture.

The expectations also are that, it will be used rigorously as a training instrument for professionals in their practices within health-related fields, as well as for educationalist, students and others from different background cultures and professions. These would also include managers and supervisors from different agencies.

Making use of such materials would help to demystify the myths about certain cultures, races of people that would lead to a better understanding and acceptance of others, while burgeoning a desire to affect change. It should also be of benefit to the many whose voices remained unheard for so long.

ONE

INTRODUCTION

THE STUDY EXPLORES TWO crucial issues: the issues that connect to the life experiences of black women in Britain; in particular, black professional women of Caribbean descent, and the complicated life factors that can quickly impact on people’s lives in connection to mental health.

Within the life history arena, the study seeks to examine the role of education and employment as it relates to public perception and behaviours towards black women. One tainted with institutional thoughts, actions and with little desire for change.

For years, the author has struggled to find reason or answers as to why even in the twenty-first-century, black women or people of colour remain marginalised. They appear to occupy society’s denigrated roles, and their voices remain in some sense, silent.

Thus, the investigative nature of the lives of black women in Britain became an exciting aspect of the exploration of the whole debate. This type of investigation undoubtedly will be viewed as political and challenging as the varied understandings, experiences and examples of black women’s lives in Britain unfold.

Even so, the issues were to examine the arguments which define the contributory factors that are of much concern, not only for those in question but the wider community. Therefore, the author strives to pursue areas of women’s life experiences and noted periods of their lives that could impact on people’s health in general, with the focus on those who matter most.

One cannot possibly view the topics in a social vacuum. Every avenue needs to be explored, according to Fernando (1995). Exploration is even more significant in a diversified community. And the recognition that black women’s lives can and are, influenced by common factors; such as the adverse personal, political factors, heightened by gender, class and the visibility of racial prejudice and discrimination in a society that is to an extent, formed part of their life study.

Researching the life of black women of Caribbean descent in Britain is historical and does not negate the experiences of other black women whose existence is global, and who share factors such as social class, age, place of origin, and spatial locality that inform their experiences that are not unique. Other groups bear semblance, but it was not the intent to address issues relating to all those groups of people. It would not be possible to give credence to all or represent the voices of those, even though black women experiences are just as numerous, varied and such that it is impossible to ignore. Secondly, an attempt to deal with the experiences of all black women would indeed lead to homogeneousness. Hence the reason for this selected group.

The awareness of the volumes of undocumented materials based on the struggles of black women who for times have relied on the version of their stories being conveyed by others, as white sociologists, psychologists, historians and others, who deemed it an exciting subject, as concurred by Bryan et al., (1985); Lorde, (1984); White, (1994). Bryan et al. further posited that, despite the effort of the few black men and white women in Britain who tried to ensure the voices of black people were no longer hidden from history, there remained a gaping silence from the women themselves. It would appear they were resigned to the fact of not being heard and have given up trying to tell their stories or self-believed they have no account worth mentioning; a people with no history, according to Douglas (1992).

In later years black American women, authors such as Mayo Angelou, Barbara Christian, Bell Hooks, Audre Lorde, Paula Marshall, Toni Morrison, and several others, knew it was time for them to say who they are and, therefore, used this measure of inclusion in terms of the creation of new literature.

We acknowledge that black women, in general, have an affinity in terms of their experiences, but individuals typically focus more on their history and immediate environment rather than that outside of their remit as seen.

Notwithstanding, inclusivity has its rightful place in society; this is understandable, and thus the onus is on each group to ensure her stories are told by those who know it best.

The lack of recognition, the shortage of materials and unrecorded history is nothing new in this twenty-first-century. These are in relation to several recordings that include earlier writings of leading feminists such as Hilary Graham (1984); Ann Oakley (1980); and even some male theorists as Peter Fryer (1984); Paul Gilroy (1987); and several other theorists have not included the experiences of black women or considered the impact of race and feminist ideology on their lives. Even the extensive studies by the Women’s Movement in the sixties, and in later years, says Lorde (1985) ignore the visible adverse experience and plight of black women’s failure by default.

The notion of purportedly sisterhood within the feminist’s movement was non-existent in its every sphere continued Lorde.

With such awareness, black women must still make a great effort to become and remain visible, even though visibility at times renders them more vulnerable to hostile prejudice. To a higher degree, the lack of literature on the issues concerning the life experience of these women has meant that the uniqueness of the study is a useful tool in the development of an initial theoretical framework, rather than the testing of the existing theory of black women’s life. Bryan et al. further states that, because the history of black people has laid buried for some time, their stories need retrieving through the direct contact regarding the experiences and response to the issue; by listening to the voices of their extended family. Because, according to Lorde, it supports the deadly effects of silence by the following sayings:

‘‘If black women do not say who they are, other people will say it badly for their use and to our detriment.’’

In other discussions on the deadly consequences of silence, Christian’s (1987) argument is that:

Silence is hardly golden, if...Black women do not answer back, who will? When we speak and answer back, we validate our experiences. We say we are important if only to ourselves.

It is a matter of bringing to the fore the hidden past as maintained by Lordes and makes one whole by doing so. They penned the following:

There is one little piece in one that wants to be spoken out, and if one keeps ignoring it, it gets madder and madder and hotter and hotter. If one does not speak it out one day, it will jump up and punch one in the mouth from the inside. (1984).

On this basis, the saying about ‘silence is golden’ does not necessarily apply in this instance.

Lordes continued the discussion on the importance of wholeness concerning silence. She stated that one is never a ‘whole’ person if one remains silent. Martin Luther King, Jnr. (1963) concurred with such in his statement that: "Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter. However, Bell Hooks (1989) warns that Speaking out is a risk black women take in a challenging culture of domination, oppression and exploitation. Not having to deal with such issues, there would be no fear of risk-taking or fear of speaking out if there were no oppressive mechanisms of silencing, suppressing, censoring and the fear of threats."

Thus, in the field of research there is that need for black women to accepts and appreciates (Joycelin Messiah’s, 1986; Mama, 1995) views that women researchers in many regions of the world face situations where knowledge of their experiences get filtered through studies and methodological tools designed, conducted and interpreted by males, who generally target deprived and oppressed groups of people who are readily available as objects of their studies, Mama (1995). However, areas of black people’s lives, their experiences, adaptation to combat the forces of poverty, racism and oppression produced by neo-colonialism as critical intellectual areas of inquiry, were not recognised according to Ladner (1995),

Hence, the methodological tools in research designs were used in the gathering of data findings and analysis, while being mindful of the process when dealing with sensitive issues, were always on the agenda.

The inquiry, therefore, is dictated by the contents of the experiences of those in question and covers the different aspect of their lives.

The issues are diverse, complex, and yet, though they have individualised experiences, there remains a common and collective thread that runs through the voyage. Their reflection of themselves has enabled the individual to draw a definite conclusion regarding variables which can have a most devastating effect on one’s lives.

For that reason, this book covers related issues, and variables gleaned from experiences within the socio-cultural aspect of life, and how the system affects black women, is foremost in the debate.

The author’s experience and knowledge of one’s community have, in no doubt, helped the women in question to give a more accurate picture by addressing issues that impact their lives.

Thus their shared stories were a collective articulation of their needs, desires and experiences, which indicated that their social statuses are often determined disadvantageously in terms of race and gender. Their subjugated past remains a constant reminder.

Other interest in the studies on the life experiences of black women in Britain, along with the contributory factors that impacted their health in general, emerged long before one became an employee in the Mental Health field and before the initial organisation of the Sheffield African Caribbean Mental Health Association (SACMHA) of which she was a trustee.

Throughout the author’s professional career, concerned family members within the black community would bombard her with questions for those persons’ whose lives have been affected by stress-related illnesses. They searched for assistance and support as a means of addressing their concerns and advice in learning how to deal with issues that affected those dearest to them.

The writer was aware of these concerns through community activities and employing her work with users within the mental health environment.

Thus, the broad aims of the research were of such; the collation of real and detailed information from a selected group of black women of Caribbean descent in Britain.

Contribution to data of an under-researched area creates the opportunity for those in question to give an account of their own experience and to cultivate a theoretical framework in the understanding of the skills and the perceptions of black women in Britain; and, how might the experiences impact their lives concerning Mental Health. The continued desires were to debunk the myths and the misconceptions about black women, and to affect change.

An Overview

As there is, however, a shortage of materials on issues relating to the subject, it was necessary to use a method that was ideal in search of information. Qualitative method became a useful tool for that purpose.

All the interviews were tape-recorded and transcribed in verbatim.

Concerning the structure of the study and determining factors regarding mental health and black women experiences, the review of relevant literature, was central to the research.

As the approach involved black professional women from across various disciplines, from different backgrounds and with their varied experiences, the advantages were due to the richness of experiences the women brought with them.

Consequently, the literature reviews looked at women’s health, depicting a broader picture that includes the history of their experience that covered, migration and transition from the Caribbean; women and stereotypes; the gendering of women’s roles and responsibilities; racialised issues and other data in general.

The findings, therefore, necessitated literature development, as participant’s experiences, was a common thread running through the investigation, were thoroughly explored and revealed.

Thus, various chapters unpack the arguments based on women’s health in general, with emphasis on perceptions and how might negative experiences such as discrimination affects people’s life. Other issues include black women’s vulnerability and susceptibility overall; also, the broad spectrum of medical and social models used within the field of medicine and assessment processes. These and other varying views of authors regarding the definition of Mental Health that is seen as problematic; summarises the model mostly used for assessment, and the historical context that frames women’s experiences that addressed issues of rejection and the creation of self-definition.

Other factors in the emerging themes identified were as essential parts of the women’s lives, and issues in connection to its findings. This concluded the study with possible direction for further work in contributions within the field of research.

TWO

LITERATURE REVIEW

Conceptual Framework of Women and Mental Health

FACTORS IN THE EMERGING themes identified, are essential parts of black women’s lives and other issues connected to the findings. These factors focus specifically on the actual expressions through their history of gender stereotypes, stigmatisation of mental health, and cultural holism. These are in relation to the theoretical framework of women’s health as revealed. The concerns lies with how might these impacts the health of black people. These and others issues examined through the work of various authors.

Thus, as the gathered information unfolded and made visible the experiences of those in question, supported by the wordings from the National Institute of Mental Health, and strengthen by the argument and issues relating to the subject matter stated:

Mental health is the springboard of thinking and communication skills, learning, emotional growth, resilience and self-esteem. (NIMH,1999).

In keeping with such feedback, the discussion around mental health, the assumptions and stereotypical views that govern the way women are treated, is in addition to the concerns within the black community that formed the cornerstone of this debate.

While most participants have not themselves had direct contact with mental health service providers, the majority had experienced some form of psychological health-related problems as ‘teetering on the edge’, but it is also the belief that some people strive better under stress, which acts as a driving force, or push in enabling the accomplishment of particular tasks, while others easily succumb to such occurrences.

The awareness in recent years of the frequent usage of mental health services and diagnosis of black women as sufferers of some form of mental ill-health has posed the continuing question as to the contributory factors. It is the continued quest, therefore, to find answers and reasons as to the issues.

Some recognised variables can affect people’s health and the notion that many factors influence mental health needs in-depth research. It is, however, thought that existing literature tends to ignore essential issues as such in (Reid-Galloway, 1998; Braboy and Jackson, 2001). Other studies incorporated structurally based arguments of the self as race and gender discrimination, while others identified variables as family, work relationships, and social class positions has not been forthcoming, says White (1989).

Ignoring these basic principles and visibilities in all its spheres is seen as Colour Blindness according to Fernando (1991). This colour blindness acts as a denial of the existence and experiences of a generation of people.

Reviewing some of the literature in connection to the study, and the contribution from the respondent’s input it was necessary to combine other factors on the predicted mental health status of black women’s life history, and to incorporate childhood experiences, education and career path, racism and relationship issues.

Consideration along those areas and the lack of materials relating to black women and stereotypes placed on them are ambiguous and often misleading. For example, conflicting portrayals of their behaviour pattern as fragile, subservient, conforming and hysterical, addresses their experiences. Other literature focuses on black women as the ‘strong beast of burden’, aggressive, and non-conforming. These are some of the ambiguous characteristics arbitrarily applied to black women en -masse, depending on which ‘axe’ the author must grind, says one author.

The misconception of the image and portrayal of the strong black woman is a danger. Palmer (1990) argued that such could be a mask black woman wear that helps bring them closer to madness. Alternatively, their strength necessitates being so for their survival. These unverified descriptions do have repercussions, nonetheless, on people’s lives. Such stereotypes are carried through to the various divisions of communities, including the medical profession where sometimes the basic needs of women are affected, even to the detriment of their health. (Doyal and Gough 1991) discuss at least three essential requirements concerning good health to survive; physically, mentally and emotionally healthily. The absence of these attributes may often impair one’s ability to interact with each other in what one would regard as normal behaviour. Without good health, we truly have nothing, says White (1990).

These and other factors would otherwise prevent them from realising their true potentials in life, compounded by the lack of mental health service provisions that do not measure up to their expectation, further stated Doyal.

Even though well researched, the subject of mental health and a substantial body of evidence accumulated over the years, there still remained much controversy surrounding research processes used within the minorities’ community or groups and with women who fall within that remit; it appears to be the lack of deliberation on black women of Caribbean descent in Britain and their health. These are yet to be addressed by the majority while acknowledging the importance of shared experience during research processes. Douglas (1992, cited in Mckie, 1996), posited that most research is essential and advantageous in its approach that adds to the creation of engaging theory. To undermine this vital course of one’s experience during the research process would invariably deny certain groups of their very existence, Reid–Galloway, (1998), and exacerbate the trenchant criticism of race, racism, issues around feminism and gender. Thus, any health-related research, conceded Cochrane et al. (1995) and Sashidharan (1991), needs to be understood in a socio-political context that accounts for the gender and cultural background differences.

These would necessitate issues in disparities in spoken language, expression of feelings, and an awareness of any psychological problems and wellbeing.

Along that path, race is one of the critical areas for researchers from the dominant cultures in their work with black women and others from the same community; conferred Mckie, (1996), but generally one has always been aware of predefined interpretation or ideological preconceptions about the subjects of their study in their quest to collate information that seems to be objective has often become an issue, according to Phoenix (1998), when researching the black participant that is generally not an issue when researching with white participants.

In her experience as a black woman, theorist, Mama (1995) advises that when conducting the reconstruction of knowledge, the value is having someone from the same social group and or of similar standing. Though some may disagree with such notion, the continued views of Amina Mama and other famous author’s shares that it is very stimulating for the researcher, and the researched.

In particular studies that depict black cultures.

The belief that organisation of knowledge into coherent pattern as with other issues, informs or influences the basis of research. One that is multi-factorial as to its enhancement, richness, interconnectedness and commonality of experiences when women researching women, is a strength in itself, rather than a hindrance.

The argument posed by Mama is that; such tasks reflects one’s commitment, and more equal power relations in generating knowledge between the researcher and the researched.

There is also the argument and concerns with the predominance of male researchers who scarcely mention women in generating knowledge, and who instead of challenging the patriarchal status quo, willingly affirm such.

(Lorded, 1984; Hooks, 1984; Hill Collins, 1990; Mama, 1995) acknowledged the importance and involvement of black women in the collation of theoretical production, interconnectedness of gender, race, class and class sexuality in the understanding and researching