This article provides an overview of the research in the area of black family studies which directly relates to sex role development. Weaknesses in the early black sex roles research are outlined, and insights from recent studies are cited. Several statements are made about sex role development in black families, as this has been described in the contemporary literature: (1) the attitudes of blacks toward the roles of husband, father, wife, and mother are unclear; however, the role of parent is a significant indicator of one's adulthood, masculinity, and femininity; (2) the concept of power and those indicators of this concept are defined differently in the black community; the variables used in white society cannot be used to measure power in black families; (3) there are available black male role models in the community; many of these men are integral, supportive members of families, yet not visible members of households, and, (4) socialization of black children into sexual and sex role behavior begins at an early age. There is some evidence which supports the notion that there is less differential treatment of male and female children among blacks. A list of research priorities is provided. (Author/JM)