Exploring the complexity of hair and identity among African American female adolescents in foster care

Lakindra Mitchell Dove and Laurie E. Powers

Children and Youth Services Review, 2018, vol. 95, issue C, 368-376

Abstract: African American children are disproportionately overrepresented in the child welfare system. Many of these children linger in the system and experience disconnection from their biological families, communities, cultural beliefs, values and practices. Familial socialization and cultural exposure are essential to developing a positive ethnic identity and self-concept. For African American female adolescents, hair and hair care are critical areas for such socialization and support. This exploratory qualitative study examined the hair and hair care experiences and perceptions of African American female adolescents in foster care. The goal was to examine hair and hair's connection to, and influence on, sense of self and self-esteem for African American female adolescents in foster care.

Date: 2018
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:eee:cysrev:v:95:y:2018:i:c:p:368-376

DOI: 10.1016/j.childyouth.2018.10.043

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