How Historical Stereotypes Shape Black Women’s Healthcare Experiences in the United States

Despite there being an awareness of stereotypes leading to disparities in the healthcare system, there is a lack of research on the three historical stereotypes of Mammy, Jezebel, and Sapphire. In order to bridge this gap, this study investigates the role of the stereotypes (Mammy, Jezebel, and Sapphire) in perpetuating healthcare disparities faced by Black women. By employing content analysis of three books (“Reproductive Injustice: Racism, Pregnancy, and Premature Birth,” “Invisible Visits: Black Middle-Class Women in the American Healthcare System,” and Under the Skin: The Hidden Toll of Racism on American Lives and on the Health of Our Nation.”) This research categorized instances of implicit bias linked to these stereotypes. Findings revealed that the Jezebel stereotype, portraying Black women as hypersexual is most prevalent, appearing in 50% of documented instances, concluding that the Jezebel significantly impacts healthcare interactions. This stereotype rooted in historical objectification, leads to biased medical treatment, reflecting deep systemic issues. The study emphasizes the necessity of addressing such biases in healthcare training to mitigate disparities and improve healthcare outcomes for Black women. Further research with larger samples is recommended to extend these findings across different societal sectors.