The feminization of social services: Implications for black male youth

Throughout the institution of social services attention to the needs of black male youth has been subjugated relative to the needs of women and girls. Despite the educational failures and hyper-incarceration of black male youth they remain aloof from social services. In the aftermath is an invisible crisis not irrelevant to the feminization of social services. Such feminization is evident in the social work databases and social service help models where it has dominated. If social service agencies are to balance the influences of feminization, it is imperative to de-feminize social services by systematically addressing the needs of black male youths. The outcome will contribute to their academic successes and reduction in rates of hyper-incarceration. Only then will it be possible to sustain alternatives to the feminization of social services and the potency of the social work profession at-large.

Research Highlights
► This paper addresses problems of black male youth via education and incarceration.
► Feminization of social services has biased male access.
► De-feminization of social services requires a systemic response to allow males access.