“I Love that ‘Bout Myself and Us”: Black, Latina, and Afro-Latina Girls’ and Young Women's Self-definition and Valuation Processes as Resistance to Gendered Racism

Gendered racism poses a significant threat to Black, Latina, and Afro-Latina girls’ self-concept. In the current study, we combined self-definition theory and the integrated model of ethnic-racial identity and critical consciousness to explore how these girls and young women critically reflected on gendered racism in relation to their identity beliefs and sense of self. We used plática methodology to talk with 20 Black (n = 7), Latina (n = 3), Afro-Latina (n = 3), and biracial youth (n = 7) between the ages of 15 and 21 (M = 17.7) from across the United States. Girls’ and young women's self-definition was shaped largely by how they internalized or challenged ethnic-racial socialization messages across various contexts. Co-creators’ self-definition processes reflected their navigation of gendered racism by critically reflecting on socialization messages, engaging in gendered-racial reflexivity, and/or identifying with part of a collective consciousness. Their self-valuations emphasized pride in their identity, commitment to social change, and/or their multiplicities. The process of self-defining and developing their own valuation systems allowed them to construct an authentic sense of identity beyond societal, familial, and peer expectations. We share implications for families, educators, and scholars hoping to support Black, Latina, and Afro-Latina girls’ healthy development.