Socialization is a process whereby people learn the norms and values of society. African American caregivers often engage in socialization processes that teach girls about Black womanhood, and female sexual and reproductive health. African American women experience high rates of adverse sexual and reproductive health outcomes that may be explained in part by socialization processes. The present study investigated the childhood socialization experiences of young Black women, and perceptions of the influence of these experiences on women’s adult sexual and reproductive health attitudes and behaviors. In-depth interviews were conducted with 25 Black women enrolled at a large public university. We identified several themes in their socialization experiences: Endorsement of traditional feminine gender norms/roles; Preparation for prejudice; Promotion of ambition and independence; Promotion of racial pride; Guidance on sexual and reproductive health; Limited engagement in sexual socialization. We also identified themes related to the perceived influence of these experiences, such as the adoption or rejection of caregivers’ socialization messages by participants. These findings, as illustrated in quotes from participants, elucidate sociocultural processes in Black women’s sexual and reproductive health, and provide guidance for how families, educators, and healthcare providers engage with Black women and girls about sexual and reproductive health.

社会化是人们学习社会规范和价值观的过程。非裔美国护理人员经常参与社会化进程，向女孩传授黑人女性身份以及女性性健康和生殖健康知识。非裔美国女性遭受性健康和生殖健康不良后果的比例很高，这可能部分是由于社会化进程造成的。本研究调查了年轻黑人女性的童年社会化经历，以及这些经历对女性成年性健康和生殖健康态度和行为的影响的看法。对一所大型公立大学就读的 25 名黑人女性进行了深入访谈。我们在她们的社会化经历中确定了几个主题：对传统女性性别规范/角色的认可；为偏见做好准备；促进雄心和独立性；促进种族自豪感；性健康和生殖健康指南；性社交参与有限。我们还确定了与这些经历的感知影响相关的主题，例如参与者采用或拒绝护理人员的社交信息。正如参与者引述的那样，这些发现阐明了黑人妇女性健康和生殖健康的社会文化进程，并为家庭、教育工作者和医疗保健提供者如何与黑人妇女和女孩就性健康和生殖健康问题进行接触提供了指导。