| This research study explored how shared lived experiences impacted African American women as a social group. Specifically, the study sought to understand how one's cultural experiences, history, and varying levels of spirituality acted as social constructs in forming a sisterhood mantra as a practiced phenomena among the group. Subjects acting as participants in the study were eighteen African American women, residing in the Atlanta, Georgia area. A qualitative approach based on a phenomenological design was used to collect data from the group. In addition, a socio-demographic instrument was also used as part of the data gathering process to explore and describe in-depth details of the lives of participants. In the study, focus groups were used as a way of data collection and analyses. Such research should offer insight and understanding to the role that culture, one's individual and group history, and spirituality all play in the creation and further development of personal relationships among African American women who come from various social backgrounds while experiencing distinct lives as individuals and citizens of the United States. |
