Black Woman Narrative Interrupted

Why are black women in the U.S. more likely to be obese and less physically active than other groups, and what can be done about it? Rashawn Ray has explored this question through intensive qualitative and quantitative research, finding that black women face an assortment of structural and cultural barriers that inhibit their ability to be as physically active as other groups. He will discuss how the interactive effect of race and gender can be costly for middle class blacks in ways it is not for middle class whites and the important role that primary care providers can play in ameliorating the dearth of physical activity in the U.S.

This second annual Health and Inequality Lecture is being organized by the Department of Sociology, Anthropology, and Health Administration and Policy as part of the Social Sciences Forum. It is co-sponsored by the Departments of American Studies, Africana Studies, Gender + Women’s Studies, Psychology, and Social Work; the Language, Literacy and Culture Program; and the School of Public Policy.