The Historical Perspective of Black Women in Leadership and the Complexity of Work/Life Balance Industry

Author: Goodwin, Arifah; Hall, Chevelle; Clemons, Kristal

Published: April 2025

Journal: Educational Justice Journal, Volume 4, Issue 1, pages 1-16.

DOI:

10.64262/c2y712

Abstract:

This study explores the historical and contemporary complexities of work-life balance for Black women in
leadership roles through a lens informed by race, gender, and systemic inequality. Tracing its roots to the era of American
slavery, the notion of balance for Black women has historically been shaped by forced labor, caregiving under duress, and
the erasure of personal autonomy. For enslaved women, the intersection of work and life was not a balance but a singular,
survival-driven existence. These historical realities provide critical context for understanding the contemporary experiences
of Black women leaders who continue to navigate structural and cultural expectations in both professional and domestic
spheres.
As Black women have advanced into leadership roles, they have done so while carrying the residual weight of historical
oppression and the modern-day burden of intersectionality. This research investigates the lived experiences of full-time,
professional Black women who face dual obligations—leading in the workplace while managing significant familial
responsibilities. Utilizing a qualitative approach, the study examines how these women define, negotiate, and attempt to
sustain work-life balance amidst heightened performance expectations, racialized workplace dynamics, and
underrecognized emotional labor.
The findings reveal that while Black women leaders display remarkable resilience and strategic adaptability, they often do
so within environments that undervalue their contributions and overburden their roles. The research underscores the
importance of acknowledging how race and gender compound work-life challenges, and it calls for more equitable
organizational practices that recognize and support the unique needs of Black women in leadership. This work contributes
to a growing body of scholarship that advocates for culturally competent frameworks in leadership studies and workplace
policy design.

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Citation:
Goodwin, A., Hall, C., & Clemons, K. (2025).

The Historical Perspective of Black Women in Leadership and the Complexity of Work/Life Balance Industry, 4(1), 1-16.