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Historically, this way of life has not been feasible for African American women who
were expected to simultaneously fill the role of breadwinner and caregiver.
In sum, there is limited support for our argument that perceptions of marriage
have some bearing on race differences in distress. It is noteworthy that the most
substantial mediating role is found for education. In other words, although African
American women’s more positive views of marriage, particularly regarding its effect on
economic security, appear to play a role in their elevated distress, the fact that they are
less educated (which is associated with higher distress) is the central story. This research
provides a basis for further examinations of links between two consequences the
systematic social-structural disadvantage faced by African American women—lower
marriage rates and greater psychological distress.