Not any one thing.

Area of Science:

• Sociology
• Psychology
• African American Studies

Background:

• Social class is a complex factor in interpersonal relationships.
• The intersection of race, sexual orientation, and social class in relationship dynamics is under-researched.
• African American lesbian relationships face unique societal and interpersonal challenges.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the influence of social class on relationship dynamics among African American lesbians.
• To understand how perceived social class similarities and differences affect relationship quality and communication.
• To identify previously unexamined factors contributing to African American lesbian relationship dynamics.

Main Methods:

• A qualitative case study approach was employed.
• Interviews were conducted with six highly educated, middle-class African American lesbians.
• Participants' ages ranged from their mid-thirties to mid-fifties.

Main Results:

• Perceived differences in social class were identified as a source of conflict within relationships.
• Perceived similarities in social class were associated with smoother relationship functioning.
• The interpretation of perceived similarities and differences, rather than race alone, significantly impacts partner communication.

Conclusions:

• Social class plays a crucial, yet under-explored, role in the dynamics of African American lesbian relationships.
• Relationship quality is influenced by how partners ascribe meaning to their social class similarities and differences.
• Further research is needed to fully understand the multifaceted influences on these relationships.