“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