In a new survey 64 percent of Black women said they were celibate. And a significant chunk, 63percent, of those women said they have chosen celibacy relatively recently, in just the last six months.
Black celebrities like 50 Cent, Mya and Omarion have openly supported celibacy, but there could be something larger behind the trend.
Celibacy can be chosen for many different reasons. Some people refer to remain abstinent to focus on their own personal growth, while others have resorted to it after becoming overwhelming frustrated with today’s dating culture.
In the survey, 61 percent said they chose celibacy in order to focus on self-growth, and 66 percent had noted improved emotional wellbeing after taking the plunge.
Monica Cwynar, a licensed clinical social worker with Thriveworks Counseling in Pittsburgh, said the prevalence specifically among the Black Gen Z community could also be influenced by cultural and historical attitudes towards sexuality and gender roles within the Black community.
“Black women may feel pressured to conform to certain expectations or stereotypes when it comes to sexuality, leading some to choose celibacy as a form of empowerment or resistance against these norms,” Cwynar told Newsweek.
“Additionally, Black women may be more likely to prioritize their own personal goals and aspirations over romantic relationships, leading to a higher prevalence of celibacy among this group.”
It also could be viewed as a way to protect themselves from hookup culture, Cwynar said.
“It underscores the importance of individual agency, self-discovery, and emotional connections in forming healthy and fulfilling relationships, while also challenging traditional norms and expectations around dating and gender dynamics,” Cwynar said.
Another dating app, Bumble, previously received backlash online after a launching a series of billboards that appeared to be against women opting for celibacy in their dating lives.
In one of the flashy billboards, the dating app wrote: “A vow of celibacy is not the answer.”
In response, many called the dating app out for encouraging casual sex and rape culture. Since then, Bumble has removed the billboards and issued an apology.
As celibacy becomes more normalized to talk about, some women are even joining what is called the 4B Movement. The movement originated in South Korea where some heterosexual women have boycotted dating, marrying and sleeping with men altogether.
Newsweek