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

Abstract

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.