Return to search

White Males In Black Fraternities: Life Experiences Leading White Males To Join A Historically Black Fraternity

This study was conducted to explore the phenomenon of White male membership in a historically Black fraternity. The researcher utilized a qualitative research methodology to investigate the pre-collegiate experiences of White males that influenced them to seek membership in Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Due to the national pool of potential participants, interviews were conducted with White male members of this fraternity using video chat software. The researcher utilized social identity theory (SIT) as the framework for this study based on the premise that in-groups might prove to be significant. Examining the participants’ pre-collegiate in-groups, diversity of family and family friends, and home environment provided insight into participants’ reasoning for seeking membership. Additionally, exploring the participants’ pre-membership perceptions of their eventual fraternity revealed further detail as to the extent to which individuals became members of the in-group associated with that fraternity. Findings for this study were that participants’ comfort levels with diverse backgrounds and individuals allowed them to feel comfortable seeking membership in a Black fraternity. It was also found that shared traits of service and the opportunity for growth were reasons why White males sought membership in a Black fraternity.

Identiferoai:union.ndltd.org:ucf.edu/oai:stars.library.ucf.edu:etd-3100
Date01 January 2012
CreatorsButts, Christopher C
PublisherSTARS
Source SetsUniversity of Central Florida
LanguageEnglish
Detected LanguageEnglish
Typetext
Formatapplication/pdf
SourceElectronic Theses and Dissertations

Page generated in 0.0021 seconds