ABSTRACT
One way of distancing oneself from negative imagery associated with Black women is to consciously and strategically depart from what is considered to be characteristic of the "typical" Black woman. For Black women in interracial relationships, the self-concept includes components related to their ethnic minority status as well as their status as "distinctive" individuals given their involvement in the interracial relationship. In addition, their self-concept is also likely to include certain beliefs and perceptions they have about others' views of their interracial relationship. To the extent to which they perceive others as being supportive of their relationship, their self-concept will be enhanced. In contrast to the superior social status that White males possess in US society, African American women retain the lowest social status among the various sex-race groups. In general, social status for women continues to be linked to their ability to attract men with sufficient resources who can be effective providers.
