Degree
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Department
Sociology
Document Type
Dissertation
Abstract
Sociological literature written about Black folks interprets their sexual behavior as unhealthy, risky, and non-normative. Black people are seldom acknowledged as humans, so it is not surprising to discover a discourse that does not portray them as sexual subjects. Studies examining Black sexual subjectivity through white and colorblind ideologies dominate the discussion, reproducing racist discourse historically ascribed to Black bodies. Guided by Audre Lorde’s concept of erotic as power, I document an alternative epistemology about Black sexuality. I argue the construction of Black sexuality must focus on sexual selfhood to grasp how this population conceptualizes and makes sense of their sexuality while navigating a sexually oppressive and repressive culture dominated by white standards. In a review of prominent literature surrounding Black sexuality, previous sociological approaches have failed to define Black sexuality beyond Eurocentric perceptions. Recognizing the agentive and authentic expression of Black identity in online spaces, this study examines how Black podcasters are shifting narratives repressing Black erotic freedoms. Two main themes are identified: unlearning through self scrutiny and negotiating pleasure in relationships. This work expands sociological imaginations of Black sexuality, pleasure, and understandings of digital practice among marginalized groups.
Date
7-16-2025
Recommended Citation
Dillard, Dominique C., "For Us, By Us: A Digital Ethnographic Exploration of Black Podcasts, Intimacy, & Sexual Pleasure" (2025). LSU Doctoral Dissertations. 6872.
https://repository.lsu.edu/gradschool_dissertations/6872
Committee Chair
Martin, Lori Latrice
DOI
10.31390/gradschool_dissertations.6872
Included in
African American Studies Commons, Feminist, Gender, and Sexuality Studies Commons, Sociology Commons