Abstract

In modern society, some African American women are choosing a career before accepting the traditional role of birthing a child or children at an early age and marriage is not always part of the equation. Women’s freedoms (i.e., equality, personal choice, sexuality) have increased since their early struggles for their rights as citizens and as women. Some are viewed as agents against the norm by some conservative-minded people by not having a child or children well into their adulthood, especially if they are over the age of 50. Research suggests that women without children are perceived negatively by others and experience adverse and challenging outcomes in society (Crandall & Eshleman, 2003). Childlessness can be an emotional hurdle for some African American women to easily overcome after establishing their career and going past the fecund period define as; (the age where women are still able to bare children with low health risks), of their life without procreating, often prompting them to adopt a child or children. For other childless African American women, but want a child or children, infertility has cursed them from motherhood, and this is a scar that tugs at their heart. Also, physical trauma or illness contribute to this fact, preventing conception. Before these women surpass their fertile stage and are childless, they must develop healthy management schemes to avoid unnecessary stresses of daily life from society, marriage, and personal living to enter their twilight years without regrets of childlessness, if possible.

Library of Congress Subject Headings

Older African American women—United States; African American women—Infertility; Childlessness

Date of Award

2023

School Affiliation

Graduate School of Education and Psychology

Department/Program

Education

Degree Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctorate

Faculty Advisor

Latrissa Neiworth

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