Theory and Research Concerning the Notion of Black Self-hatred: A Review and Reinterpretation

Abstract

A review of the theoretical models and supportive research related to the issue of Black self-hatred is presented. The analysis reveals that much of the Black self-hatred literature fails to stand up to conventional standards of validity and reliability, but it also reflects a failure to recognize the cross-cultural nature of Black experience in American society. In addition, the evidence generated by past research is neither consistent nor statistically significant in most cases. Certain cross- cultural approaches to Black social reality are suggested as alternatives to the traditional models and are strong ly recommended for investigations of Black experience in western society.