City Research Online

Abstract

Research shows that the role of parental figures in mixed race identity formation is crucial. Yet, the current literature focuses predominantly on the experiences and roles of White mothers, with limited research on the experiences of Black mothers. Drawing on data from an interpretive phenomenological analysis (IPA) study, this article explores the experiences of nine Black mothers raising mixed race children in the UK. Findings revealed two overarching challenges. The first related to the mother–child dyad. Participants described feeling distinct from their mixed race children, identified the difficulties in aiding mixed race identity development, and referred to concerns about how society would perceive them. Other reported narratives stemmed from experiences within wider society. Participants encountered microaggressions, spoke of the negative assumptions that they had faced, and often experienced questioning of their legitimacy as mothers. These findings highlight the emotional impact of disrupted mirroring between Black mothers and their mixed race children, where physical and cultural differences may interfere with mutual recognition and connection between mother and child. In sum, this study underscores the need to place Black mothers’ voices at the heart of research investigating the experience of raising mixed race children.

Publication Type:	Article
Additional Information:	Copyright (c) 2026 Dayna Wilson and Ohemaa Nkansa-Dwamena. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Publisher Keywords:	Black mothers; mixed race children; challenges; mother-child dyad; UK
Subjects:	B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology H Social Sciences > HQ The family. Marriage. Woman H Social Sciences > HT Communities. Classes. Races
Departments:	School of Health & Medical Sciences School of Health & Medical Sciences > Department of Psychology & Neuroscience
SWORD Depositor:	Symplectic Administrator

Export

Downloads