The history of the United States has had a profound impact on the romantic relationships of Black Americans. The institutional racism that has been embedded into the fabric of the United States since its inception has had a lasting and significant effect on the way Black Americans have viewed and interacted within romantic relationships. The oppressive systems of slavery, Jim Crow laws, and segregation have all contributed to a lack of trust, communication, and understanding between Black Americans in romantic partnerships (Hinton & Cook, 2021). For example, many Black Americans have experienced mistrust within their relationships due to the fear that a partner may turn them in to authorities or take advantage of them. This fear has been heightened by the history of slavery in the United States, in which slave owners would use their own slaves as property to gain wealth and power.
The impact of these oppressive systems has also had a lasting effect on the way Black Americans view themselves and their partners. This includes the internalization of negative stereotypes and the fear of being judged or rejected based on a partner’s race or class. Additionally, the lack of economic opportunities for many Black Americans can contribute to the instability of romantic relationships, as financial stress can often lead to increased tension and conflict (Hollie & Coolhart, 2020).
The disproportionate incarceration of Black men has had a devastating impact on romantic relationships. Incarceration can cause a breakdown of trust and communication, a loss of financial stability, and a disruption in parenting roles. These stresses can lead to a decrease in marital satisfaction, an increase in marital conflict, and a decrease in the overall quality of the relationship (Prather et al., 2018).
According to Hollie & Coolhart (2020), incarceration can also lead to a lack of intimacy between couples. When a partner is incarcerated, they are often unable to be physically present which can lead to a decrease in physical intimacy, which can in turn lead to a decrease in emotional intimacy. This can often cause a breakdown in communication and can lead to a feeling of disconnect within the relationship.
The financial strains caused by incarceration can also cause a strain on relationships. Incarceration can lead to a decrease in financial stability, as the incarcerated person may no longer be able to contribute financially to the household. This can lead to increased stress and can lead to a decrease in relationship satisfaction. The disproportionate incarceration of Black men has had a significant impact on romantic relationships. It can lead to a breakdown of trust, communication, and intimacy, as well as financial strains. These impacts can be long lasting and can have a significant effect on the overall quality
The unemployment/underemployment of Black men has had a profound impact on romantic relationships. It can lead to financial strain, which can in turn lead to a decrease in relationship satisfaction and an increase in marital conflict. It can also lead to a lack of intimacy, as financial worries can lead to a decrease in communication and a decrease in physical and emotional intimacy (Pratap et al., 2021). Unemployment/underemployment can also lead to a decrease in self-esteem, which can lead to feelings of insecurity, resentment, and anger. This can lead to a breakdown in communication, which can lead to a decrease in relationship satisfaction.
The unemployment/underemployment of Black men can also lead to a feeling of disconnect within the relationship (Pratap et al., 2021). The unemployed partner may feel like they are not contributing to the relationship and the employed partner may feel like they are carrying the burden of providing for the household. This can lead to a sense of resentment, which can have a negative impact on the overall quality of the relationship.
Finally, the criminal justice system has had a strong influence on the way Black Americans view and interact within romantic relationships. The over-policing of Black communities and the disproportionate incarceration of Black Americans has created an environment of fear, mistrust, and insecurity. This can often lead to a lack of communication and understanding between partners, which can have a long-term effect on the health of a romantic relationship (Prather et al., 2018).
In conclusion, the history of the United States has had a significant and lasting impact on the romantic relationships of Black Americans. The oppressive systems of racism, inequality, and criminal justice have all contributed to a lack of trust, communication, and understanding. This has led to a number of negative consequences, including the internalization of negative stereotypes, financial instability, and increased tension and conflict. As a result, it is essential that these systems are addressed in order to create a more equitable and just society where Black Americans can engage in healthy and meaningful romantic relationships.
References
Hinton, E., & Cook, D. (2021). The mass criminalization of black Americans: A historical overview. Annual Review of Criminology, 4(1), 261–286. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-criminol-060520-033306
Hollie, B. D., & Coolhart, D. (2020). “A larger system is placing people in this predicament”: A qualitative exploration of living amongst urban violence and the impact on mental health and relationships in the black community. Contemporary Family Therapy, 42(4), 319–334. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10591-020-09546-6
Pratap, P., Dickson, A., Love, M., Zanoni, J., Donato, C., Flynn, M. A., & Schulte, P. A. (2021). Public health impacts of underemployment and unemployment in the United States: Exploring perceptions, gaps and opportunities. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 18(19), 10021. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph181910021
Prather, C., Fuller, T. R., Jeffries, W. L., 4th, Marshall, K. J., Howell, A. V., Belyue-Umole, A., & King, W. (2018). Racism, African American women, and their sexual and reproductive health: A review of historical and contemporary evidence and implications for health equity. Health Equity, 2(1), 249–259. https://doi.org/10.1089/heq.2017.0045
write