Date of Award

2019

Document Type

Restricted Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Arts

Department

Self-Determined Majors

First Advisor

Leigh Wilton

Second Advisor

Peter McCarthy

Abstract

Black women have uniquely stressful pregnancies as a result of their intersecting racial and gender identities, which can predispose them to adverse birth outcomes. This study explores whether gendered racism influences detrimental birth outcomes for Black and Latina women in comparison to White women. A sample of 111 women (Mage = 39.50; SDage = 10.64; range 23-67; MEdu= 14.98; SDEdu= 1.88; age range 12-19 years) participated in a survey measuring sexism, racism, and gendered racism on birth outcomes (baby birth weight, gestational period, maternal health issues). There were 38 Black women, 31 Latina women, and 42 White women in the analytical sample. One-way ANOVA results indicated Black and Latina women did not express significantly different levels of sexism, compared to White women. However, there were statistically significant differences in their experiences of both racism and gendered racism.There were no statistically significant differences between Black, Latina, and White women in terms of gestational period, baby birth weight, or maternal health issues. Understanding the factors that influence adverse birth outcomes is a step forward to minimizing the maternal and infant mortality rates of Black families.

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