“Carrying Our Burden in the Heat of the Day”: Mid-Life Self-Sacrifice Within the Family Circle Among Black Professional Women

Abstract

The following article examines both the cultural and bicultural complexities of self-sacrifice as a major familial and communal demand experienced by African American¹ professional women at mid-life. As a prelude to this clinical discussion, an examination of the sociological, cultural and inter-cultural dimensions of self-sacrifice are provided. To support clinical intervention and self help, a series of conceptual models, and problem solving and assessment tools are presented to aid practitioners in delivering culturally competent, personally relevant self-empowerment, relational management, and self care strategies for this client group

Key Words:

• Mid-life
• African-American women
• self-sacrifice