Shifting: The Double Lives of Black Women in America

Shifting explores the many identities Black women must adopt in various spaces to succeed in America. 

Based on the African American Women's Voices Project, Shifting reveals that a large number of Black women feel pressure to compromise their true selves as they navigate America's racial and gender bigotry. Black women "shift" by altering the expectations they have for themselves or their outer appearance. They modify their speech. They shift "white" as they head to work in the morning and "Black" as they come back home each night. They shift inward, internalizing the searing pain of the negative stereotypes that they encounter daily. And sometimes they shift by fighting back. In commemoration of its twentieth year in print with a new Introduction and updated content throughout Shifting is a much-needed, clear, and comprehensive portrait of the reality of Black women's lives today.

Do you ever feel that you have to leave your true self at the door in order to placate White colleagues? Do you downplay your abilities for fear of outshining Black men? Do you speak one way in the office, another way to your girlfriends? Is it sometimes a struggle to feel good about how you look -- your skin color, your hair, your body size and shape?

In this arresting and groundbreaking work, authors Charisse Jones and Kumea Shorter-Gooden, Ph.D., articulate with deep understanding what it is really like to be Black and female in America today.

Based on the African American Women's Voices Project, an interview and questionnaire study with four hundred women across the United States and from many walks of life, Shifting reveals that a large number of Black women feel pressure to compromise their true selves in order to fit in to American society. From one moment to the next, they report changing inwardly and outwardly -- Shifting "White," then Shifting "Black" again, Shifting "corporate," Shifting "cool" -- a coping and survival skill that often diminishes the joys of living an authentic life.

Shifting can have a devastating effect on a woman's body and soul. In a culture that is both racist and sexist, Black women are suffering. They are susceptible to an array of psychological problems, including anxiety, low self-esteem, disordered eating, depression, and even outright self-hatred. They may make others feel comfortable, but too often they are left feeling conflicted, weary, and alone.

Yet their revealing voices are utterly cathartic. As Black women talk openly about their lives -- contending with the workplace, mothering, coming to terms with their beauty, forging relationships with men, living their spirituality -- they describe what it takes to "make it" despite everything, and bring to light how essential it is to explode the myths and stereotypes still in place.

With this deeper perspective, Black women will find the path back to their true selves and come to understand how important it is to be aware of Shifting in their own lives. And readers of all genders and ethnicities will gain a heightened sensitivity to the continued damage wrought by bias and prejudice, and an increased awareness of what we can all do to make a difference.

“A deeply moving, intimate and important book about the emotional costs for Black women in white America.” - Harriet Lerner, author of The Dance of Anger

“Always moving, at times haunting, and often inspirational, Shifting provides a richly textured look at the lives of Black women.” - Bebe Moore Campbell, author of What You Owe Me

“Searing...as I read Shifting... I wanted to rip out chapters and send them to nearly everyone I know.” - Gwen Ifill

“Shifting gives voice to generations of women who’ve been misunderstood, dismissed and overlooked. It’s essential reading for anyone who wants to understand ‘the most disrespected person in America’. I’m so grateful this book exists.” - Issa Rae

“Poignant…based on research garnered from the African American Women’s Voices Project, the largest study to date of black women.” - Booklist

“Stress is a common theme...the authors found good news...’We’re learning that we don’t have to lose ourselves.’” - Essence

“Urgent...compelling and educational…a real contribution.” - Publishers Weekly

"Shifting is an essential read for anyone who wants to understand the emotional and psychological balancing act that Black women navigate daily. As someone who has spent much of my career in predominantly white spaces, this book resonates deeply with me. Whether I’m on stage, in the boardroom, or under the public eye, I have often found myself 'shifting'—modifying how I speak, move, and engage to fit expectations while striving to stay true to who I am. Charisse Jones and Kumea Shorter-Gooden capture the unspoken pressures and dualities Black women face in the dance of identity, power, and survival. Twenty years later, Shifting is still as relevant as ever, providing a roadmap for Black women like myself to find strength, solidarity, and the freedom to embrace all parts of who we are. - Misty Copeland, American ballet dancer and New York Times bestselling author of The Wind at My Back

“Jones and Shorter-Gooden are wise, warm and candid, breaking new ground.... An important and powerful book for us all. - Mary Pipher

“Meaningful and poignant...this well researched and beautifully written book is a must read.” - William Pollack, Ph.D., author of Real Boys