About the Book

Based on the African American Women’s Voices project, a study with four hundred women across the United States that represents a diverse range of black women, Shifting reveals the subtle pressure black women feel to “shift” their real selves as a coping mechanism to accommodate and placate the many groups that comprise American society. From one interaction to the next, black women change their behavior both internally and externally--shifting “white,” then shifting “black” again, shifting “corporate,” shifting “cool”--a survival skill that often diminishes the joys of living an authentic life.

Breaking important new ground by examining the inner lives of black women and illuminating the challenges they face in developing strong, confident selves, Shifting examines how black women, in ways that differ from other groups, contend with money, the workplace, language, black men, beauty, religion and spirituality. Shifting is a clear and comprehensive portrait of the reality of African-American women’s lives today.

Critical Praise

“A deeply moving, intimate and important book about the emotional costs for Black women in white America.” — Harriet Lerner, author of The Dance of Anger

“Always moving, at times haunting, and often inspirational, Shifting provides a richly textured look at the lives of Black women.” — Bebe Moore Campbell, author of What You Owe Me

“Searing...as I read Shifting... I wanted to rip out chapters and send them to nearly everyone I know.” — Gwen Ifill

“Jones and Shorter-Gooden are wise, warm and candid, breaking new ground.... An important and powerful book for us all. — Mary Pipher

“Meaningful and poignant...this well researched and beautifully written book is a must read.” — William Pollack, Ph.D., author of Real Boys

“Poignant…based on research garnered from the African American Women’s Voices Project, the largest study to date of black women.” — Booklist

“Stress is a common theme...the authors found good news...’We’re learning that we don’t have to lose ourselves.’” — Essence

“Urgent...compelling and educational…a real contribution.” — Publishers Weekly

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Product Details

• ISBN: 9780063414204
• ISBN 10: 0063414201
• Imprint: Harper Perennial
• On Sale: 01/28/2025
• Trimsize: 5.310 in (w) x 8.000 in (h) x 0.000 in (d)
• Pages: 384
• List Price: $18.99
• BISAC1 : HISTORY / United States / General
• BISAC2 : LAW / Civil Rights
• BISAC3 : LAW / Criminal Law / General
• BISAC4 : PSYCHOLOGY / General
• BISAC5 : PSYCHOLOGY / Social Psychology
• BISAC6 : SELF-HELP / General
• BISAC7 : SELF-HELP / Personal Growth / General
• BISAC8 : SOCIAL SCIENCE / Ethnic Studies / African American Studies
• BISAC9 : SOCIAL SCIENCE / Feminism & Feminist Theory
• BISAC10 : SOCIAL SCIENCE / Women's Studies
• BISAC11 : SOCIAL SCIENCE / Discrimination & Race Relations
• BISAC12 : SOCIAL SCIENCE / Sociology / Social Theory