Publications
Understanding the Structural, Social, and Interpersonal Mechanisms of Racism in Maternal Health Care Experiences in Southeastern United States: A Conceptual Framework
Document Type
Article
Abstract
Black women in the United States experience disproportionately poor maternal health outcomes, particularly in the Southeastern U.S. where structural racism is deeply rooted. Despite increasing research on interpersonal factors contributing to these disparities, limited attention has been paid to the structural mechanisms driving inequities. This conceptual paper addresses that gap by presenting a framework that examines the structural, social, and interpersonal mechanisms influencing Black maternal health care experiences in the Southeast. An integrative literature review was used to explore three key areas: gendered racism, patient-provider relationships, and structural racism. The framework integrates critical race theory, Black feminist thought, ecological systems theory, and resilience theory to propose a conceptual model that connects these mechanisms. It hypothesizes how historical and ongoing structural racism shapes Black women’s social lens, influencing their knowledge, beliefs, self-value, and vulnerability in maternal health encounters. The framework suggests that structural oppression and providers, coupled with a lack of trust and communication in patient-provider relationships, contribute to adverse maternal outcomes for Black women. By examining these interconnected factors, this paper offers new insights into the systemic forces sustaining disparities and provides a foundation for future research and interventions aimed at improving care for Black women in the Southeastern U.S.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Publication Info
Published in Journal of Human Behavior in the Social Environment, 2026.
APA Citation
Tindall, J., Browne, T., Felder, T. M., Woo, B., & Alexander-Richardson, B. (2026). Understanding the structural, social, and interpersonal mechanisms of racism in maternal health care experiences in Southeastern United States: A conceptual framework. Journal of Human Behavior in the Social Environment, 1–14. https://doi.org/10.1080/10911359.2026.2619049
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