We Need to Talk: An Exploration of Generational Shifts in Black Parenting & Racial Socialization in the United States

Abstract

This thesis focuses on generational shifts in the way that Black parents raise their children. As an entry point, it centers on “the talk,” which is the conversation between parents and children, intended to prepare Black children for life in the predominantly white society of the United States. I investigate the idea that “the talk” is not just a one-time discussion, but rather an ongoing dialogue that can find its way into many parent-child interactions. I also explore the sociologically ambivalent aspect of Black parenting, as parents must grapple with prioritizing the contradictory goals of protection and positive self-perception. Interviews also revealed a pattern of change where today’s Black young adults feel more of a need to emphasize mental health and self-love in these conversations. This thesis draws from a total of twelve interviews with Black students attending Princeton University.