Keywords
Dissertations, Academic -- Education, Education -- Dissertations, Academic, White males, black fraternity, membership, social identity theory
Abstract
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.
Notes
If this is your thesis or dissertation, and want to learn how to access it or for more information about readership statistics, contact us at STARS@ucf.edu
Graduation Date
2012
Semester
Spring
Advisor
Cintron Delgado, Rosa
Degree
Doctor of Education (Ed.D.)
College
College of Education and Human Performance
Department
Educational and Human Sciences
Degree Program
Educational Leadership
Format
application/pdf
Identifier
CFE0004342
URL
http://purl.fcla.edu/fcla/etd/CFE0004342
Language
English
Release Date
May 2012
Length of Campus-only Access
None
Access Status
Doctoral Dissertation (Open Access)
Subjects
Arts and Humanities -- Dissertations, Academic, Dissertations, Academic -- Arts and Humanities
STARS Citation
Butts, Christopher C., "White Males In Black Fraternities: Life Experiences Leading White Males To Join A Historically Black Fraternity" (2012). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 2101.
https://stars.library.ucf.edu/etd/2101