“No One Can Make that Choice for You”: Exploring Power in the Sexual Narratives of Black Collegians

Authors

Candice Hargons, University of KentuckyFollow
Della Mosley, University of FloridaFollow
Carolyn Meiller, University of KentuckyFollow
Jardin Dogan, University of KentuckyFollow
Jennifer Stuck, University of KentuckyFollow
Chesmore Montique, University of KentuckyFollow
Natalie Malone, University of KentuckyFollow
Carrie Bohmer, University of KentuckyFollow
Queen-Ayanna Sullivan, University of KentuckyFollow
Anyoliny Sanchez, University of KentuckyFollow
Joseph Oluokun, University of KentuckyFollow
Danelle Stevens-Watkins, University of KentuckyFollow

DOI

10.34296/02021040

First Page Number

80

Last Page Number

92

Abstract

Power is enacted to oppress others, pursue wellness, or resist oppression. For Black people, societal and relational oppression influences racialized and gendered expressions of power within sexual encounters. The current study analyzed power dynamics within Black university students’ first and most recent sexual encounters. Using narrative inquiry within a critical paradigm, five narrative strategies were identified within participants’ interviews: 1) Offering a Peek into Powerlessness, 2) Detailing Disempowerment, 3) Privileging Stereotypical Power, 4) Reclaiming Power, and 5) Emphasizing Empowered Sex. Racialized, gendered sexual socialization among Black students is discussed. Counseling considerations to increase sexual wellness for Black people are explored.

Recommended Citation

Hargons, C., Mosley, D., Meiller, C., Dogan, J., Stuck, J., Montique, C., Malone, N., Bohmer, C., Sullivan, Q., Sanchez, A., Oluokun, J., & Stevens-Watkins, D. (2021). “No One Can Make that Choice for You”: Exploring Power in the Sexual Narratives of Black Collegians. Journal of Counseling Sexology & Sexual Wellness: Research, Practice, and Education, 2 (2), 80-92. https://doi.org/10.34296/02021040