Bette Dickerson

Bette Dickerson is Professor Emerita of Sociology at American University, specializing in Black feminist/womanist theories and socio-historical constructions of race/gender identities in the African diaspora. Previously chaired the Department of Sociology and directed Women's and Gender Studies.

Research explores public history, collective memory, and elder Black women's sexuality, with grants from the Ford Foundation. Recent publications examine family structures through intersectional frameworks and friendship formation across racial divides.

Awards include the A. Wade Smith Award from the Association of Black Sociologists and professorship recognition for teaching excellence. International fieldwork includes family welfare policy research in Japan.