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Centering perspectives on black women, hair politics, and physical activity

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  • Versey, H.S.

Abstract

As researchers categorize issues facing Black women's health, obesity and physical exercise continue to be significant topics of debate. General interventions targeted toward Black women to address obesity and increase physical exercise have been largely ineffective. In this article, I situate the current public health discourse on obesity and related interventions within a sociocultural context of body appearance, with a specific focus on hair. Why do some African American women feel such strong ties to their hair that they will avoid exercise? What can be done to understand this phenomenon and address alternatives that may make both hair maintenance and regular exercise feasible? I map a theoretical argument for why hair matters for some women, and discuss how physical activity intervention strategies might be improved by considering such complexities.

Suggested Citation

  • Versey, H.S., 2014. "Centering perspectives on black women, hair politics, and physical activity," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 104(5), pages 810-815.
    • Handle: RePEc:aph:ajpbhl:10.2105/ajph.2013.301675_8
    DOI: 10.2105/AJPH.2013.301675
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    Cited by:

    1. Symielle A. Gaston & Tamarra James-Todd & Nyree M. Riley & Micaela N. Gladney & Quaker E. Harmon & Donna D. Baird & Chandra L. Jackson, 2020. "Hair Maintenance and Chemical Hair Product Usage as Barriers to Physical Activity in Childhood and Adulthood among African American Women," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(24), pages 1-18, December.
    2. Anne Li Kringen & Madeleine Novich, 2018. "Is it ‘just hair’ or is it ‘everything’? Embodiment and gender repression in policing," Gender, Work and Organization, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 25(2), pages 195-213, March.
    3. Berkley-Patton, Jannette & Thompson, Carole Bowe & Bradley-Ewing, Andrea & Berman, Marcie & Bauer, Alexandria & Catley, Delwyn & Goggin, Kathy & Williams, Eric & Wainright, Cassandra & Petty, Therese , 2018. "Identifying health conditions, priorities, and relevant multilevel health promotion intervention strategies in African American churches: A faith community health needs assessment," Evaluation and Program Planning, Elsevier, vol. 67(C), pages 19-28.

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