Toward improved interpretation and theory building of African American male sexualities

Abstract

This paper examined five challenges to clear understanding of African American male sexualities: incorrect assumptions of African American homogeneity; underemphases on developmental change, the contexts of sexual behaviors, and the meanings of sexual behaviors; and a lack of compelling theoretical grounding for African American sexualities. We outlined critical elements for effective theorizing and research about African American sexualities (e.g., multiple levels of analysis, examination of phenomenological meaning of sexuality, measurement of dynamic and developmental change) and analyzed candidate theories within sexual science (social exchange theories, symbolic interactionism, sexual scripting theory) in light of these elements. We suggest that a reorientation of sex research about African American men using these elements will result in improved understanding of African American sexualities in multiple contexts.