‘I’m good’: Examining the internalization of the strong Black woman archetype

ABSTRACT

The Strong Black Woman (SBW) archetype incorporates the fusion of strength, independence, resilience, caretaking, and invulnerability which informs behavior and self-perception. Rooted in the enslavement of Africans, the characterization of Black women as innately strong supported the justification of their mistreatment while the embodiment of such characteristics was necessary for personal and communal survival. Moreover, this archetype lends itself to obligatory manifestations of strength and suppression of emotions while simultaneously rejecting vulnerability and dependence upon others. Black women who internalize the SBW narrative often suffer quietly, as they work to meet the expectations of their families, professional arenas, and larger social environments. Using Social identity theory, this article examines the manifestation of the archetype across three social contexts and positions the role of social workers within the context of two grand Challenges to Social Work.