Graduate Program
College Student Affairs
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Semester of Degree Completion
2003
Thesis Director
Richard L. Roberts
Abstract
The purpose of this qualitative study was to identify factors that influence White women's participation in historically Black sororities at predominately White universities in the Midwest and secondarily examine their overall sorority experiences. Four White female participants were utilized who were either a) members of international university-recognized sororities governed under the auspices of the NPHC or b) were members of international university-recognized sororities governed by the NPHC during their undergraduate years.
Results from this study indicate the quality of sisterhood, existing chapter diversity, positive experiences with members and non-members, a shared value system with the sorority, and an aversion to National Panhellenic Conference member organizations influenced the participant's desire for membership in historically Black sororities. Additionally, two factors were discussed that presented perceived barriers to White women's participation in historically Black sororities: 1) membership questioned from outside the chapter and 2) feeling the need to prove oneself. According to the participants, they were highly involved, dedicated, and dependable members of historically Black sororities which in tum played an important role in their academic, social, and professional lives of the participants.
Recommended Citation
Bankhead, Mary L., "A Qualitative Exploration of White Women in Historically Black Sororities at Predominately White Institutions in the Midwest" (2003). Masters Theses. 1485.
https://thekeep.eiu.edu/theses/1485
