Volume 33, Number 1, 37-54, DOI: 10.1007/s11133-009-9141-5

The Reproduction of Inequalities Through Emotional Capital: The Case of Socializing Low-Income Black Girls

Carissa M. Froyum

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Abstract

The concept of emotional capital suggests that adults transfer emotion management skills to children in ways that are consequential for the social reproduction of inequalities. Using ethnographic data from a popular after-school program, this study analyzes the emotional capital transmitted to low-income black girls by staff. They passed on four aspects of emotional capital: stifling attitude, being emotionally accountable for peers, sympathizing with adult authority figures, and emotional distancing from cultural “dysfunction.” Staff intended to teach girls to manage their emotions as a way to counteract racism, but the socialization largely promoted emotional deference, thereby reinforcing racialized, classed, and gendered ideologies.

Keywords  Emotion management - Social reproduction - Inequality - African Americans - Children - Socialization

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