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Shifting: The Double Lives of Black Women in America – A Comprehensive Portrait of Identity, Race, and Gender Pressure
In this work, authors Charisse Jones and Kumea Shorter-Gooden, Ph.D., articulate with deep understanding what it is really like to be Black and female in America today.Based on the African American Women's Voices Project, an interview and questionnaire study with four hundred women across the United States and from many walks of life, Shifting reveals that a large number of Black women feel pressure to compromise their true selves in order to fit in to American society. From one moment to the next, they report changing inwardly and outwardly - shifting "White," then shifting "Black" again, shifting "corporate," shifting "cool" - a coping and survival skill that often diminishes the joys of living an authentic life.
With this deeper perspective, Black women will find the path back to their true selves and come to understand how important it is to be aware of shifting in their own lives. And readers of all genders and ethnicities will gain a heightened sensitivity to the continued damage wrought by bias and prejudice, and an increased awareness of what we can all do to make a difference.
With this deeper perspective, Black women will find the path back to their true selves and come to understand how important it is to be aware of shifting in their own lives. And readers of all genders and ethnicities will gain a heightened sensitivity to the continued damage wrought by bias and prejudice, and an increased awareness of what we can all do to make a difference.
400 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2003
241 people are currently reading
5932 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
November 27, 2025
Overall thoughtful and well-written nonfiction book about the pressures Black women in the U.S. face to present themselves in ways that are appealing to white supremacy and patriarchy. Thorough analysis of how these conjoined forces of racism and sexism show up in the workplace, romantic relationships, in regard to body image, etc. I read the 2024 edition and appreciated the updated stats. I agree with other reviewers that the book focuses on heterosexual Black women; I also felt that it would have been interesting to read more intersectional analysis related to class. While folks who are already well-read on these topics may not get too much new content from this book, it’s still well-written and a solid primer for those who aren’t familiar with the research and lived experiences of Black women in the U.S.
January 19, 2011
Wow.
That's all I can say after reading this book.
If you've ever received the compliment "Wow, you speak so well......" or "Wow, you're so smart ......" with an unspoken trail off at the end of the sentence, this book is for you.
If you've ever spoken to someone on the phone and then met them in person, only to have them say in passing "When I talked to you, I thought you were White." This book is for you.
If you've cringed at the hyper sexualization of thin, Black females, the "once a Black male makes over a million dollars, he gets a blond White girl" and know what Black Man's Kyrptonite means, this book is for you.
If you've ever thought about having a "Strong Black Family", but the only men that approach you within your social economic group and education background are White men, this book is for you.
This is not a light hearted look into what it means to be African American and female in this modern world. This is a hard, educated look into the modern African American educated culture, the plight of the educated Black Woman, our relationships with the men in our racial group and how we relate to the "outside" world.
I read this book during February, complementing Black History Month. I must say, I have never been more hyper aware of my skin color in my whole life. Additionally, this book pushed my political views on issues regarding natural vs. relaxed hair, skin color and weight. It illuminated me on the inner race racism and backbiting with Black females as we "shift" to look better to members of Other Races. As a person that has experienced an older, Black woman's disgust at my non straight weaved hair, not anorexic, not attempting to pass to be White personality, I know first hand that this is a problem within our culture.
It's time people stop the inner racial self hate, face their anger, and stop trying to mask their skin color. We were born Black. And, unless you have Vitalago, we will die marking that box under "race" that we've done all our lives. This book puts a voice to that indescribable feeling that many of my fellow college educated Black female friends have had to face.
It's not a book on HOW to pass. It's a book on how we unconsciously pass, dancing around interacting with different people from different races with the burden of "setting an example".
If you are African American, educated, and motivated towards an intelligent and thought provoking life, READ THIS BOOK!
That's all I can say after reading this book.
If you've ever received the compliment "Wow, you speak so well......" or "Wow, you're so smart ......" with an unspoken trail off at the end of the sentence, this book is for you.
If you've ever spoken to someone on the phone and then met them in person, only to have them say in passing "When I talked to you, I thought you were White." This book is for you.
If you've cringed at the hyper sexualization of thin, Black females, the "once a Black male makes over a million dollars, he gets a blond White girl" and know what Black Man's Kyrptonite means, this book is for you.
If you've ever thought about having a "Strong Black Family", but the only men that approach you within your social economic group and education background are White men, this book is for you.
This is not a light hearted look into what it means to be African American and female in this modern world. This is a hard, educated look into the modern African American educated culture, the plight of the educated Black Woman, our relationships with the men in our racial group and how we relate to the "outside" world.
I read this book during February, complementing Black History Month. I must say, I have never been more hyper aware of my skin color in my whole life. Additionally, this book pushed my political views on issues regarding natural vs. relaxed hair, skin color and weight. It illuminated me on the inner race racism and backbiting with Black females as we "shift" to look better to members of Other Races. As a person that has experienced an older, Black woman's disgust at my non straight weaved hair, not anorexic, not attempting to pass to be White personality, I know first hand that this is a problem within our culture.
It's time people stop the inner racial self hate, face their anger, and stop trying to mask their skin color. We were born Black. And, unless you have Vitalago, we will die marking that box under "race" that we've done all our lives. This book puts a voice to that indescribable feeling that many of my fellow college educated Black female friends have had to face.
It's not a book on HOW to pass. It's a book on how we unconsciously pass, dancing around interacting with different people from different races with the burden of "setting an example".
If you are African American, educated, and motivated towards an intelligent and thought provoking life, READ THIS BOOK!
February 9, 2014
Great information, but no solutions to the issues we face. It is based off a study so it is a long hard read. I definitely saw myself or someone I knew in more than a few stories.
February 24, 2012
While reading this I realized I picked the wrong time to delve into the subject matter and it was quite unintentional. I had borrowed it from the library and it was fast approaching the return date so I had to get a move on and read it.
Now why do I say wrong time? I say this because with all the negativity, bigotry & entitlement that is running rampant this book only served as a reminder and an emphatic confirmation of what African American women have to endure while navigating life in these here United States. I found myself nodding a lot and just downright frustrated with example upon example of injustices and biases against black women.
I also started to wonder more about the term 'shifting'. I understand what the authors were trying to convey in that black women have to take on certain identities in certain settings but my question is don't we all do that in some form regardless of race or gender in different environments? Everyone has to code switch in some way or the other so sometimes I thought the term 'shifting' to be slightly problematic.
On the whole, though I wouldn't exactly regard this as informative for me as it served more as confirmation, it was definitely helpful to have this information collated.
Now why do I say wrong time? I say this because with all the negativity, bigotry & entitlement that is running rampant this book only served as a reminder and an emphatic confirmation of what African American women have to endure while navigating life in these here United States. I found myself nodding a lot and just downright frustrated with example upon example of injustices and biases against black women.
I also started to wonder more about the term 'shifting'. I understand what the authors were trying to convey in that black women have to take on certain identities in certain settings but my question is don't we all do that in some form regardless of race or gender in different environments? Everyone has to code switch in some way or the other so sometimes I thought the term 'shifting' to be slightly problematic.
On the whole, though I wouldn't exactly regard this as informative for me as it served more as confirmation, it was definitely helpful to have this information collated.
March 4, 2018
I'm sure this work was groundbreaking when it came out, but it felt fairly dated and gender essentialist/heteronormative now. I'd love to see someone take on a similar project with a more modern mindset.
July 20, 2007
The life and times of black women in America having to endure dual "isms" against women and African Americans.
August 13, 2023
So, this has been on my to-read shelf for a while and while I have been settling into my new job, I have extra time at work. I was perusing the "library" shelf last week and found a copy so I figured it would be a good way to spend some work time. And, I have mixed feelings.
On one hand, I'm recognizing that I am late to read it (it was published in 2003) and so of course it will be slightly out dated and I may be familiar with the contents already (both of which turn out to be true). It is also a great analysis of the African American Women's Voices Project, which was groundbreaking and so important as a data collection initiative in the 1990s. I was also really struck by some of the stuff that is left out (Crenshaw and Intersectionality, for example, which was first published in 1989). Jones and Shorter-Gooden do a great job of providing many examples and case studies of the women they interviewed and these case studies are useful and highlight black female voices which are often supressed (and which, is, of course, their point). However, by using terms like "double jeopardy" and ignoring intersectionality and the literature that came out of it, this reader also feels that they are ignoring Crenshaw's (very black and female) voice and import.
Some of the material also feels dated. I understand and agree that the definition of female beauty in America has historically been White and thin. However, recently (think Kardashain) there are changes to emphasize big bottoms and "thicc" or "phat" women. Jones and Shorter-Gooden mention the black embrace of these concepts, but are writing before mainstream beauty standards shifted a bit in the late 2010s/early 2020s.
Essentially the book is about code switching and the many layers of work that black women have to enact in every situation to fight stereotypes and myths while also preserving a sense of self. The complication of attempting to be all to everyone often means that black women suffer with more mental illness and daily exhaustion.
On one hand, I'm recognizing that I am late to read it (it was published in 2003) and so of course it will be slightly out dated and I may be familiar with the contents already (both of which turn out to be true). It is also a great analysis of the African American Women's Voices Project, which was groundbreaking and so important as a data collection initiative in the 1990s. I was also really struck by some of the stuff that is left out (Crenshaw and Intersectionality, for example, which was first published in 1989). Jones and Shorter-Gooden do a great job of providing many examples and case studies of the women they interviewed and these case studies are useful and highlight black female voices which are often supressed (and which, is, of course, their point). However, by using terms like "double jeopardy" and ignoring intersectionality and the literature that came out of it, this reader also feels that they are ignoring Crenshaw's (very black and female) voice and import.
Some of the material also feels dated. I understand and agree that the definition of female beauty in America has historically been White and thin. However, recently (think Kardashain) there are changes to emphasize big bottoms and "thicc" or "phat" women. Jones and Shorter-Gooden mention the black embrace of these concepts, but are writing before mainstream beauty standards shifted a bit in the late 2010s/early 2020s.
Essentially the book is about code switching and the many layers of work that black women have to enact in every situation to fight stereotypes and myths while also preserving a sense of self. The complication of attempting to be all to everyone often means that black women suffer with more mental illness and daily exhaustion.
March 14, 2015
I cannot articulate how deeply this book affected me.
If there were a freshman survey course about me at a university, this would be the first book on the syllabus.
I have so much to unpack and think about after finishing this book. I'd say 60 percent of the stories resonated with me at such a deep level, it was like reading a narrative of my life so far. The other 40 percent of stories I recognized in the lives of other Black women I know.
I don't buy many books anymore, but I am buying this one.
I'd love to read a similar book about the lives of other demographics of women (and men, for that matter) that are similarly disenfranchised by our society.
I very much hope an update to this book is in process, or at least in consideration.
If there were a freshman survey course about me at a university, this would be the first book on the syllabus.
I have so much to unpack and think about after finishing this book. I'd say 60 percent of the stories resonated with me at such a deep level, it was like reading a narrative of my life so far. The other 40 percent of stories I recognized in the lives of other Black women I know.
I don't buy many books anymore, but I am buying this one.
I'd love to read a similar book about the lives of other demographics of women (and men, for that matter) that are similarly disenfranchised by our society.
I very much hope an update to this book is in process, or at least in consideration.
September 14, 2007
Deals with the duality of being black and female, encountering problems that neither black men nor white women face or coud emphatize with.
February 10, 2018
"Shifting: The Double Lives of Black Women in America" is an eye-opening nonfiction book supported by countless interviews and a major study along with references to other studies that shows how black women "shift" — change themselves in one or several ways to appease white America and return to their true selves in black America — and the dangerous effects of those actions. The book brought up shifting in various ways, and though it became a somewhat traumatic read realizing the racism weaved into my life, it is a thoroughly investigated book that strikes a chord.
The chapters focus on so many issues such as black women dealing with the myths of promiscuity and criminality, depression from racism in the workplace and classroom, relationships with black men as friends and lovers, etc. The book is dotted with snapshot stories of women describing how institutionalized racism and sexism have affected their lives and how they live with those effects. For example, several of the women straightened their hair to abide by the European beauty standard to keep their jobs while others experienced sexual harassment by black and non-black men and felt they couldn't speak up because they'd lose their jobs due to race.
The one section I thought was lacking was the religion section on how African-American women are mostly Christian and deal with sexism in the black church. Except not all African Americans are divided into the two black church systems in America — African Methodist Episcopal and Baptist. The authors acknowledge this yet only focus on it. In the notes, 87% of the women who answered the surveys said they were Christian. My African-American mother is Muslim, so from that perspective, I know there are other religions we practice largely ignored in black media. These surveys should've been mailed to the religious groups dedicated to African-American women such as those who practice Islam, Buddhism, Judaism, Baha'i, etc. These women appeared ignored by the study simply from the authors' assumptions that African Americans are primarily Christian when in actuality it might not be the truth if these other groups were included.
Also the book focused on African-American women, but other black women see these issues and that perspective may also have been missing. As a black woman who's half first-generation American through my refugee father, I know this perspective as well is ignored by black media with the assumption that black people from Africa, the Caribbean, South America, Europe, and Asia don't understand racism as they live in America or don't see or feel it. From the title, it says "Black Women in America" but seems to only focus on African-American women, so this could be misleading. Again in the notes, 4% of women said they were born outside the U.S., but it's not explained if these are black women originally from another country or black women who had American parentage.
Though the book is almost 15 years old, the issues still resonate today even more so with the #MeToo, Black Lives Matter, and post-Trump women's movements.
The chapters focus on so many issues such as black women dealing with the myths of promiscuity and criminality, depression from racism in the workplace and classroom, relationships with black men as friends and lovers, etc. The book is dotted with snapshot stories of women describing how institutionalized racism and sexism have affected their lives and how they live with those effects. For example, several of the women straightened their hair to abide by the European beauty standard to keep their jobs while others experienced sexual harassment by black and non-black men and felt they couldn't speak up because they'd lose their jobs due to race.
The one section I thought was lacking was the religion section on how African-American women are mostly Christian and deal with sexism in the black church. Except not all African Americans are divided into the two black church systems in America — African Methodist Episcopal and Baptist. The authors acknowledge this yet only focus on it. In the notes, 87% of the women who answered the surveys said they were Christian. My African-American mother is Muslim, so from that perspective, I know there are other religions we practice largely ignored in black media. These surveys should've been mailed to the religious groups dedicated to African-American women such as those who practice Islam, Buddhism, Judaism, Baha'i, etc. These women appeared ignored by the study simply from the authors' assumptions that African Americans are primarily Christian when in actuality it might not be the truth if these other groups were included.
Also the book focused on African-American women, but other black women see these issues and that perspective may also have been missing. As a black woman who's half first-generation American through my refugee father, I know this perspective as well is ignored by black media with the assumption that black people from Africa, the Caribbean, South America, Europe, and Asia don't understand racism as they live in America or don't see or feel it. From the title, it says "Black Women in America" but seems to only focus on African-American women, so this could be misleading. Again in the notes, 4% of women said they were born outside the U.S., but it's not explained if these are black women originally from another country or black women who had American parentage.
Though the book is almost 15 years old, the issues still resonate today even more so with the #MeToo, Black Lives Matter, and post-Trump women's movements.
May 5, 2024
More like 4.5!!!
During the lockdown in the pandemic, I found myself buried in books for my dissertation's literature review. One of those books was this text that explored Blackwomen's dual consciousness. At first, I only skimmed the chapters relevant to my dissertation. But as I delved deeper into developing my academic manuscripts, I realized I needed to read the full text (and the parts I already read again). This book explores the concept of "shifting"—how Black women adjust their lives to cope with the intersecting oppressions they face in every social institution, from home and school to work and church. My primary interest, however, lies in how the book addresses the ways Blackwomen communicate under the pervasive white gaze. The authors compellingly argue that Blackwomen often modify their speech, tone, and body language, as a coping mechanism but as a strategy for professional advancement and social acceptance. Moreover, the book highlights how Blackwomen's communication transforms in spaces free from the white gaze, such as in all-Black settings or within close-knit groups. Here, Blackwomen’s interactions are more open, honest, and uninhibited. This communication contrast captures the relief and authenticity these spaces provide, allowing Blackwomen to reclaim their identity and voice without the weight of external judgment. Their work is a call to acknowledge and address the layered realities that influence how Blackwomen communicate across different spectrums of their lives…which I definitely plan to do :)!"
During the lockdown in the pandemic, I found myself buried in books for my dissertation's literature review. One of those books was this text that explored Blackwomen's dual consciousness. At first, I only skimmed the chapters relevant to my dissertation. But as I delved deeper into developing my academic manuscripts, I realized I needed to read the full text (and the parts I already read again). This book explores the concept of "shifting"—how Black women adjust their lives to cope with the intersecting oppressions they face in every social institution, from home and school to work and church. My primary interest, however, lies in how the book addresses the ways Blackwomen communicate under the pervasive white gaze. The authors compellingly argue that Blackwomen often modify their speech, tone, and body language, as a coping mechanism but as a strategy for professional advancement and social acceptance. Moreover, the book highlights how Blackwomen's communication transforms in spaces free from the white gaze, such as in all-Black settings or within close-knit groups. Here, Blackwomen’s interactions are more open, honest, and uninhibited. This communication contrast captures the relief and authenticity these spaces provide, allowing Blackwomen to reclaim their identity and voice without the weight of external judgment. Their work is a call to acknowledge and address the layered realities that influence how Blackwomen communicate across different spectrums of their lives…which I definitely plan to do :)!"
January 28, 2018
This book is based on a research project, The African American Women's Voices Project. One author is a psychologist, the other a journalist. A wide demographic is included in the study but the book also cites other authors and research to document the results they found.
The book explores nearly every aspect of a black woman's life: work, school, intimate relationships (especially between black men and women), depression, health, parenting, beauty, language, and the church. The concept behind the title is that in American society, black women have to "shift" psychologically and in other concrete ways (how they speak, how they dress, to whom they defer, for example) in order to survive racism and sexism. Shifting requires an ability to move in and out of various identities and the expected behaviors that accompany them based on the "audience" of the moment. The toll that "shifting" takes can be enormous.
I thought this book was especially skillful at showing how issues that are common to all women can be particularly burdensome to black women because of their race and the cultural expectations that black women are subjected to. The topic of sexism in black culture is addressed as well, especially in the sections on relationships between black men and women and the "place" that women must accept within the black church.
The breadth of this book along with the research that forms the foundation, make this a great book for exploring the challenges of being a black woman today. This is suitable for both black and white women who want to understand more about what it means to be a black women in America at this point in our history.
The book explores nearly every aspect of a black woman's life: work, school, intimate relationships (especially between black men and women), depression, health, parenting, beauty, language, and the church. The concept behind the title is that in American society, black women have to "shift" psychologically and in other concrete ways (how they speak, how they dress, to whom they defer, for example) in order to survive racism and sexism. Shifting requires an ability to move in and out of various identities and the expected behaviors that accompany them based on the "audience" of the moment. The toll that "shifting" takes can be enormous.
I thought this book was especially skillful at showing how issues that are common to all women can be particularly burdensome to black women because of their race and the cultural expectations that black women are subjected to. The topic of sexism in black culture is addressed as well, especially in the sections on relationships between black men and women and the "place" that women must accept within the black church.
The breadth of this book along with the research that forms the foundation, make this a great book for exploring the challenges of being a black woman today. This is suitable for both black and white women who want to understand more about what it means to be a black women in America at this point in our history.
February 20, 2017
I gave this 4 starts because the information and findings of the research are very important to understand, Its weakness is in the editing and style of presentation. I understand that this has a target audience of both the black woman and her place and what she experiences in our society and the general public who my have never thought about the sexism or racism that black women have to deal with on a daily basis. With this in mind it has done a good job, though I would have preferred a different format.
As an older woman I can definitely identify with sexism in society and the pervasiveness in the workplace as I experienced this in my working years between 1959 and 2014. Abusive sexism that borders on harassment generally was targeted on the most vulnerable within the workplace. Misogynistic men never tease, harass women who have any power, they do pick on people they know need their job, single Moms, single women who might have a harder time walking away from employment. It has improved over the years from the blatant physical assaults women experienced in the years before the 90s...but for minority women it was definitely more apparent. One of the real failures of feminism is that it did not take up the cause of minority women in the 60s through 90s.
Racism is a factor that most white women don't as easily see either in social settings or in the workplace, often because they are unaware how much they have been influenced by its pervasiveness, and don't recognize that it does shape their first impressions of people of color. It takes a lot of introspection to recognize it within yourself as a majority member. It also take introspection for people of color to see that racism takes a heavy toll within their own communities, when it has been internalized.
This would be an important read for anyone in middle management, because that is the level that does most of the hiring, and where one sees the most prejudice in hiring where the preference too often is on appearance and common interests (sports activities, club memberships, same alma mater etc.) and not on experience or knowledge and education. I can remember clearly when I hired a trainee who I had met in a college where I was taking a continuing education course, she was one of the best students in the class, and was looking for a career change. I was very impressed with her and hired her. She was in her late 30s and quite plump, but had so much raw talent that I knew she would excel. I was lambasted by upper management, how could I hire someone who looked like her, a 'fat' woman, how would that look to clients and on and on. I prevailed and she did end up being one of our best employees. Strangely we did not have a department that interfaced with the general public, but women were generally hired based on their physical attributes rather than their potential. It was a good lesson for me as a woman to realize what the criteria really was, and it stood in contrast to the men hired who often were very unattractive, but felt that they should be surrounded by physically attractive women in the workplace.
This book has the possibility of being a way for people to shift some of their preconceived notions about people often viewed as 'other'.
As an older woman I can definitely identify with sexism in society and the pervasiveness in the workplace as I experienced this in my working years between 1959 and 2014. Abusive sexism that borders on harassment generally was targeted on the most vulnerable within the workplace. Misogynistic men never tease, harass women who have any power, they do pick on people they know need their job, single Moms, single women who might have a harder time walking away from employment. It has improved over the years from the blatant physical assaults women experienced in the years before the 90s...but for minority women it was definitely more apparent. One of the real failures of feminism is that it did not take up the cause of minority women in the 60s through 90s.
Racism is a factor that most white women don't as easily see either in social settings or in the workplace, often because they are unaware how much they have been influenced by its pervasiveness, and don't recognize that it does shape their first impressions of people of color. It takes a lot of introspection to recognize it within yourself as a majority member. It also take introspection for people of color to see that racism takes a heavy toll within their own communities, when it has been internalized.
This would be an important read for anyone in middle management, because that is the level that does most of the hiring, and where one sees the most prejudice in hiring where the preference too often is on appearance and common interests (sports activities, club memberships, same alma mater etc.) and not on experience or knowledge and education. I can remember clearly when I hired a trainee who I had met in a college where I was taking a continuing education course, she was one of the best students in the class, and was looking for a career change. I was very impressed with her and hired her. She was in her late 30s and quite plump, but had so much raw talent that I knew she would excel. I was lambasted by upper management, how could I hire someone who looked like her, a 'fat' woman, how would that look to clients and on and on. I prevailed and she did end up being one of our best employees. Strangely we did not have a department that interfaced with the general public, but women were generally hired based on their physical attributes rather than their potential. It was a good lesson for me as a woman to realize what the criteria really was, and it stood in contrast to the men hired who often were very unattractive, but felt that they should be surrounded by physically attractive women in the workplace.
This book has the possibility of being a way for people to shift some of their preconceived notions about people often viewed as 'other'.
Want to read
June 30, 2008Given the recent torture and sexual assault of Megan Williams, a 20-year old West Virginian who was held captive for several days, while she was repeatedly raped and beaten, and the Dunbar Housing Project sexual assault, I feel it's vitally important to read about the lives of Black Women (and all womyn) in America - especially as so many of us face violence. For me, reading is about good books - but also books that equip me with the ability to live a more full and aware life.
Check out:
http://www.jumpcut.com/view?id=E44BFB...
For articles re: Megan Williams and the Dunbar Housing Project crimes:
http://www.palmbeachpost.com/news/con...
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/6...
http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory?id...
http://www.cnn.com/2007/US/09/12/mart...
http://www.courttv.com/news/2007/0913...
http://www.courttv.com/news/2007/0913...
http://whataboutourdaughters.blogspot...
Check out:
http://www.jumpcut.com/view?id=E44BFB...
For articles re: Megan Williams and the Dunbar Housing Project crimes:
http://www.palmbeachpost.com/news/con...
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/6...
http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory?id...
http://www.cnn.com/2007/US/09/12/mart...
http://www.courttv.com/news/2007/0913...
http://www.courttv.com/news/2007/0913...
http://whataboutourdaughters.blogspot...
February 3, 2013
A lot of this book hit close to home for me, and maybe that is a good thing. It explains a lot of what I have gone/continue to go through as a Black woman in modern society. Good read for gender studies, feminists, and Black/AA Studies students, as well as anyone interested in the psychological effects of 'shifting' to accommodate and 'smooth things over' for others.
June 29, 2007
Still reading
April 20, 2008
Enjoyed the discussion with the author at the NOMMO Forum.
Want to read
January 22, 2013Read this book several years ago and it really spoke to me. But now that I'm at a much different place in my life I wonder if I will feel the same ? So it's on my re-read list. We'll see.
November 27, 2024
Despite being published in 2003, this book packs a great wallop and should be required reading for anyone even vaguely literate. Charisse Jones and Dr. Kumea Shorter-Gooden have done invaluable work, examining the heavy lifting that Black women in this nation go through. All of us "shift" to some degree to another, especially when we make the transition from home to work. But for Black women, the shifting is far more pernicious and denigrating. The two authors have done a great deal of sociological work demonstrating how Black women, even when they disguise who they are, are still subject to systemic racism in all walks of life, very often among fellow Blacks. They are told that they are not beautiful. They must adhere to the stereotype that they are tough and resilient and disguise their mental health issues. In short, the very voices of the women in this book are enough for anyone, even the most mindful liberal, to stop in their tracks and confront their own systemic contribution to this awful and dehumanizing state of affairs. Jones and Shorter-Gooden are so wide-ranging and meticulous in their field work that we even get to hear from women ministers and successful Black women who STILL have to deal with mediocre types denigrating their work and their worth.
October 19, 2019
Important and interesting
This is an important and interesting topic. I thank the authors for writing it. It should be required reading for ALL Americans to promote empathy, though I'm sure most would still deny there is an issue. I appreciate the discussion of how many black women don't see sexism as an issue. I do wish there was discussion about how the insistence of being with black men, though data and experience show how difficult that can be, may not be the most successful root for black women looking for love. The book portrays getting a black man as the holy grail rather than finding a partner who loves and respects you as the goal. Anyway, you can't cover everything in one book but this book is a good beginning.
This is an important and interesting topic. I thank the authors for writing it. It should be required reading for ALL Americans to promote empathy, though I'm sure most would still deny there is an issue. I appreciate the discussion of how many black women don't see sexism as an issue. I do wish there was discussion about how the insistence of being with black men, though data and experience show how difficult that can be, may not be the most successful root for black women looking for love. The book portrays getting a black man as the holy grail rather than finding a partner who loves and respects you as the goal. Anyway, you can't cover everything in one book but this book is a good beginning.
February 2, 2019
This book is one of many that I am reading for my dissertation. I found support for my research in this book. Black women similar experiences but we may experience them in a different way. The authors did a great job of using the women's stories to describe Black women's experiences. Also, the authors did a great job of supporting their findings with the research literature. The methodology, research problem, research questions, and sampling strategy are clearly delineated. This is a solid book that I recommend to others who are conducting research about Black women. There is much from this book that I will be citing in my dissertation.
September 17, 2020
This book chose me at an appropriate time. I am preparing to propel a career. I empathize with what behaviours black women elect for survival. I prefer to behave similarly regardless of the company. If someone doesn't accept me, I don't associate with that person. Shifting leads to confusion and despair. You're not allowing yourself to live freely.
It pays to understand the plight of my people.
It pays to understand the plight of my people.
March 29, 2020
If you are an African American woman I am certain you can relate with many stories presented in the text. It’s actually an eye opener as well. Helps you to explore the different factors that play into the “shifting” of our day to day tasks simply because of the color of our skin or our gender. It was an easy read!!
February 4, 2020
Great read ...much read like a textbook though
September 28, 2021
Was good but hard to read about your life. Had to put it down for stretches of time. Was published in early 2000 and the issues are still the same…
December 13, 2023
Fantastic book and valuable content, just got a bit redundant and repetitive
December 1, 2025
Should be required reading. A bit traumatic if you’re living it.
July 14, 2016
Charisse Jones is an award winning author and reporter for USA today. Kumea Shorter-Gooden is a licensed psychologist and professor of psychology at Alliant International University.
This book carefully recreates the emotional rollercoaster that Black women ride every day in corporate America. This work rest on the African American Women’s Voices Project (AAWBP), which interviewed four hundred African American women from across the United States. Overwhelmingly the women commented that they are always shifting from “White” to “Black” in terms of their vocabulary, interactions, movements, and emotional stress. This is viewed as a coping skill that often diminishes the joys of living an authentic life. Jones notes that this is causing detrimental mental and emotional stress on Black women. The continued effects of racism and sexism makes African American women susceptible to many issues: anxiety, low self-esteem, eating disorders, obesity, depression, and self-hatred. African American women are allowed to share their feelings and voice their concerns in this ground breaking research. While the term sister circle is not mentioned, it is referred to in terms of seeking out others from similar backgrounds and having regular breaks with women pressing through similar issues. There are suggestions for how to live through the effects of racism and sexism. The narrative is most important as the women deal with motherhood, issues in the workplace, accepting their beauty (however different that may be), building relationships with men and women of other cultures, and accommodating their truth in spirituality. African American women are celebrated and loved on in this remarkable work.
This book carefully recreates the emotional rollercoaster that Black women ride every day in corporate America. This work rest on the African American Women’s Voices Project (AAWBP), which interviewed four hundred African American women from across the United States. Overwhelmingly the women commented that they are always shifting from “White” to “Black” in terms of their vocabulary, interactions, movements, and emotional stress. This is viewed as a coping skill that often diminishes the joys of living an authentic life. Jones notes that this is causing detrimental mental and emotional stress on Black women. The continued effects of racism and sexism makes African American women susceptible to many issues: anxiety, low self-esteem, eating disorders, obesity, depression, and self-hatred. African American women are allowed to share their feelings and voice their concerns in this ground breaking research. While the term sister circle is not mentioned, it is referred to in terms of seeking out others from similar backgrounds and having regular breaks with women pressing through similar issues. There are suggestions for how to live through the effects of racism and sexism. The narrative is most important as the women deal with motherhood, issues in the workplace, accepting their beauty (however different that may be), building relationships with men and women of other cultures, and accommodating their truth in spirituality. African American women are celebrated and loved on in this remarkable work.
July 1, 2011
An enlightening read that brought to the forefront many of the struggles and challenges Black women in America face--both within their families and communities and in the workforce. I will admit I was ignorant to many of these challenges. In this sense, Shifting has served to make me conscious of the many obstacles and prejudices Black women face in America--because of their race and also uniquely because of their gender. As a result of reading this book I have become more committed to making sure that I am not the one who--consciously or unconsciously--puts up any barriers or impediments to to success of Black women--or women of any other race, for that matter.
The reason I did not give this book 3 or more stars, is that I had some issues with the way Shifting was written and researched. First, as the authors themselves openly admitted, the results of the surveys and interviews were not representative of the entire cross-section of African-American women. The authors interviewed only those women who volunteered to speak up, and, although they did incorporate facts from outside research, the book overall was based on purely anecdotal evidence. Secondly, the authors themselves are African American women, who are intrinsically biased, no matter how professional they are normally. Although I know the interviewees wouldn't have been as honest had the authors been white, there is a conflict of interest present. As I told my book club, the authors ideally would have to be aliens from another planet!
The reason I did not give this book 3 or more stars, is that I had some issues with the way Shifting was written and researched. First, as the authors themselves openly admitted, the results of the surveys and interviews were not representative of the entire cross-section of African-American women. The authors interviewed only those women who volunteered to speak up, and, although they did incorporate facts from outside research, the book overall was based on purely anecdotal evidence. Secondly, the authors themselves are African American women, who are intrinsically biased, no matter how professional they are normally. Although I know the interviewees wouldn't have been as honest had the authors been white, there is a conflict of interest present. As I told my book club, the authors ideally would have to be aliens from another planet!
January 15, 2025
This book is insightful, reassuring and tragic all at the same time. Although I pride myself on being a quick reader, as I read each chapter, I needed time to disengage from the book and ruminate on what I read.
The book consists of ten chapters with perspectives from 333 African American women who participated in 2000’s African American Women Voices Project. While the woman who participate in this project come from diverse backgrounds, sexuality, religions, and occupations, all have experienced the same discomfort that comes with “shifting,” or changing who they are to make others around them (often caucasians) more comfortable.
As I read this book which covers various topics including the roots of shifting, the many ways in which African American women shift personalities and demeanor not just at work but also at home.
I found myself saddened to discover that I’m not alone in negative experiences I’ve encountered based on a being an African American woman but also encouraged by how my unknown sisters have developed various coping mechanisms (some successful and some not successful). I personally cope with stressors faced by having to shift daily within different environments by exercising on a daily basis and journaling.
While this book by no means reflects the lived life experiences of all African American women, the authors do an excellent job in shining a light on shared trauma, sexism and marginalization as well as the shared desire to be heard and understood.
The book consists of ten chapters with perspectives from 333 African American women who participated in 2000’s African American Women Voices Project. While the woman who participate in this project come from diverse backgrounds, sexuality, religions, and occupations, all have experienced the same discomfort that comes with “shifting,” or changing who they are to make others around them (often caucasians) more comfortable.
As I read this book which covers various topics including the roots of shifting, the many ways in which African American women shift personalities and demeanor not just at work but also at home.
I found myself saddened to discover that I’m not alone in negative experiences I’ve encountered based on a being an African American woman but also encouraged by how my unknown sisters have developed various coping mechanisms (some successful and some not successful). I personally cope with stressors faced by having to shift daily within different environments by exercising on a daily basis and journaling.
While this book by no means reflects the lived life experiences of all African American women, the authors do an excellent job in shining a light on shared trauma, sexism and marginalization as well as the shared desire to be heard and understood.
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