African-American Women's Reproductive Freedom and the Black Political Elite Response
This study examines the regression of black political ideology from the ideology of insurgency that deconstructed oppressive policies that created a marginal existence for the African-American community. Additionally, this study examines the ideology of secondary marginalization where black political elites now participate in the "policing" their own race. African-American women's reproductive health is used as a framework to discuss the consequences of secondary marginalization. Content analysis is used to determine 107th (2001-2003) Congressional Black Caucus members' bill sponsorship and voting behavior. Reproductive health encompasses bills that deal with Medicaid, abortions, and contraceptives. Findings suggest that the 107th Congressional Black Caucus do not consistently sponsor bills advocating African-American women's reproductive health. Ultimately, secondary marginalization comprises the reproductive health of African-American women.
School:
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Department:
Political Science
Research Advisor:
Assata Zerai
Department of Research Advisor:
Sociology
Year of Publication:
2004