ERIC Number: ED580570
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 2017
Pages: 128
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: 978-0-3554-0822-5
ISSN: EISSN-
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
A Qualitative Investigation of the Experience of Membership for African-American Women in Historically White Sororities
Thompson, Rhonda H.
ProQuest LLC, Ph.D. Dissertation, Capella University
This qualitative research study explored the experiences of membership for Black women living in the Southeastern United States who joined historically White sororities. The growth of college diversity poses a problem for the field of psychology considering the abundance of psychological knowledge that was generated without the inclusion of ethnic minorities as research participants. There is a need for attention to ethnic minority individuals and relevant research that supports diversity in psychology. Exploring aspects of gender, race, culture, and social adjustment extends knowledge concerning the experiences that affect women's behavior and social development. This qualitative investigation provides an understanding of how African American, or Black, women describe their personal experience of being members of historically White sororities. The researcher chose the generic qualitative design to explore their subjective beliefs, opinions, and attitudes about the experience of membership. The sample was limited to Black women (ages 18-22) who joined historically White sororities while attending predominantly White universities. The experience of sorority membership involved the participants' personal development, self-awareness, influential interactions, and societal awareness. The influence of interactions supported ideas about inclusion and personal choices. The themes generated from the data analysis supported theories aligned with racial identity and social adjustment. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com.bibliotheek.ehb.be/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]
Descriptors: Qualitative Research, Group Membership, Sororities, African American Students, Females, Minority Group Students, Ethnic Groups, Student Experience, Social Development, Student Attitudes, College Students, Social Adjustment, White Students, Diversity (Institutional), Group Dynamics, Psychology, Racial Identification, Disproportionate Representation
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Publication Type: Dissertations/Theses - Doctoral Dissertations
Education Level: Higher Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A