Short Answer
Ayana O. Flewellen’s research focuses on the fashion practices of Black female farmworkers in Texas, highlighting how they adapted their clothing to navigate societal expectations and labor demands. The study emphasizes their proactive role in shaping identities and challenging cultural norms through thoughtful fashion choices.
Step 1: Understand Flewellen’s Research Focus
Ayana O. Flewellen’s research examines the *fashion practices* of Black female farmworkers in Texas during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. These women adapted their clothing to balance the societal expectations of *femininity* with the *demands of their labor-intensive work*. The research highlights their proactive approach to style, demonstrating that they were not just following trends but were actively shaping their identities through *fashion choices*.
Step 2: Analyze Clothing Adaptations and Social Context
The study discusses how these farmworkers used specific clothing adaptations, such as infusing *hook-and-eye closures*, which mimicked the silhouette of more restrictive garments. This indicates a thoughtful melding of *fashion and functionality* as they navigated the contrasting expectations of *gender norms*. Their choices reveal a larger context where they worked against traditional stereotypes while still adhering to some aspects of societal ideals.
Step 3: Identify the Correct Purpose of the Research
The purpose of Flewellen’s research can be summarized effectively by emphasizing the resistance of these women through their *fashion practices*. The best answer choice relates directly to the investigation into how Black female farmworkers challenged and negotiated their identities in relation to *cultural norms*. This choice encapsulates the essence of the research, showcasing their active role in advocating for themselves within the constraints of their time.