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2 - Systemic Racism and Romantic Relationships

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  19 October 2023

Brian G. Ogolsky
Affiliation:
University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign
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Summary

Relationship scientists have focused on dimensions of relationship dynamics and processes including initiation, development, maintenance, and dissolution, yet most of this research is decontextualized, especially as it pertains to race and racism. Among the relationship research that accounts for race, the treatment of race as a factor to be controlled or as a comparison variable ignores the realities of racism as a system that historically influenced and continues to shape romantic relationship development and functioning. Thus, the primary aim of this chapter is to investigate how systemic racism shifts our understanding of romantic relationships by providing an integrative review and critique of the existing literature using Black romantic relationships as an exemplar. We conclude with recommendations for future relationship science across five key domains: conceptualization and theory, measurement, privilege exploration, and within-group heterogeneity.

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Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2023

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