The authors situate critical perspectives in the larger context of the evolution of theory and discuss a "third wave" of theory development.

Using intersectionality as a framework, we examined how queer Students of Color at historically white institutions explored and made meaning of their intersecting identities in college. This research employed constructivist grounded theory to understand how 20 queer Collegians of Color at various HWIs explained the process of identity exploration…

With intersectional frameworks gaining in popularity within higher education scholarship, we explored the potential of intersectionality to produce nuanced understandings of college student identity without obscuring its mission to examine overlapping axes of power. This article highlights significant areas for consideration for qualitative…

This essay advances discussion of the evolution of student development theory as foundational knowledge for student affairs practice and the role theoretical consensus plays in the application of theory to student affairs practice. We located our discussion within the context of student affairs as a low-consensus field and address 2 related…

The purpose of this article is to present the results of a multi-site case study designed to investigate students' experiences as participants in four week-long immersion programs (New York City, Peru, the Czech Republic, Chicago). Results highlight the significance of the context of the trips and specific characteristics of the trip (e.g.,…

This chapter explores how the framework of intersectionality can be used by faculty in course development and classroom teaching. An overview of intersectionality, highlighting core assumptions and tenets of the framework, is presented first. These assumptions and tenets are then applied to classroom dynamics and the practice of teaching in…

This article focuses on understanding how identity development is conceptualized in student affairs. The need to understand the person, context, and interactions between the two advances identity theories as relevant to student affairs practice. The more practitioners understand how students make meaning of their identities, the better they are…

Presents a conceptual model of multiple dimensions of identity, which depicts a core sense of self or one's personal identity. Intersecting circles surrounding the core identity represent significant identity dimensions and contextual influences. The model evolved from a grounded theory study of a group of 10 women college students ranging in age…

This constructivist study explored service-learning as a contextual influence on identity development and self-authorship. Analysis of data from interviews with 8 participants, each of whom completed an undergraduate service-learning course 2 to 4 years prior to the study, suggested that an enduring influence of service-learning was construction…

Describes the multiple dimensions of identity development and difference among 10 diverse women college students. Data analysis using grounded theory methodology yielded 10 key categories and a core category, which described contextual influences on the construction of identity. Findings reveal the deep complexities of identity development when…