Motherless Mothering Among Black Women in the United States

This research paper explores the concept of “motherless mothering” among Black women, highlighting the unique challenges faced by those who have lost their mothers prior to becoming mothers themselves. Notably, nearly 40% of Black children experience the death of a parent by age 20, with maternal loss representing a significant portion of these cases. Grounded in the understanding that parental death disproportionately affects Black individuals, this study explores the emotional, psychological, and social consequences faced by Black women navigating the transition to motherhood without a maternal figure. Qualitative data were collected through a questionnaire, resulting in three key findings: participants’ experiences with feelings of abandonment, entrapped grief, and discussing the lack of supportive services for motherless mothers. To address these issues, this paper introduces the Parent-Parental Loss (PPL) framework, a new model developed by the study’s first author to elucidate and support the unique experiences of motherless mothers. By investigating the intersections of grief, motherhood, and communal structures, and applying the PPL framework, this study seeks to advance understanding of Black women’s lived experiences as motherless mothers.