African American Persistent Infant Mortality High Rates and Associative Implications for Disparities in Race, Socioeconomic status and Gender Intersections
Abstract
The disparity in white and African American infant mortality rates has not only persisted but increased over time and is not expected to diminish in the near future, without any planned intervention initiatives. This research article reviews the theoretical and empirical literature on the intersections of race, socioeconomic status, and gender vulnerabilities on African American life as manifested in infant mortality. The disparity in infant mortality between whites and African Americans stems strongly from differences in socioeconomic status, poverty, racial discrimination, and gender inequalities. Thus, specific policies and services grounded in human right perspectives are needed to address those structural barriers that thwart the efforts of African Americans to improve their status in the areas of employment, education, income, housing, and health ,that will reduce their families stresses and ultimately improve infant mortality. Additionally, ethnic-sensitive practice perspective is emphasized along with empowerment, strengths and Africentric perspectives as frameworks to understanding and dealing with issues relating to African American infant mortality.