Childhood Traits and Conditions of Eminent African American Women

Abstract

As part of a quarter-century investigation of eminent men and women, the childhood psychological traits and conditions of eminent African American women were contrasted with those of other eminent women in a variety of fields. African American women's eminence appears fostered by psychological traits and conditions generally similar to those that benefit other eminent men and women. African American women, however, appeared significantly more often advantaged with respect to several psychological traits, including independence, perseverance, single-mindedness, and alertness to novelty. Given the discrimination and limited opportunities for African Americans and women during the first half of this century, eminence among the women in the sample probably required outstanding force of character.