Are they truly divine?: a grounded theory of the influences of Black Greek-lettered organizations on the persistence of African Americans at predominantly White institutions.
2012-02
Loading...
View/Download File
Persistent link to this item
Statistics
View StatisticsJournal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Title
Are they truly divine?: a grounded theory of the influences of Black Greek-lettered organizations on the persistence of African Americans at predominantly White institutions.
Authors
Published Date
2012-02
Publisher
Type
Thesis or Dissertation
Abstract
This study explored the influences of Black Greek-lettered organizations (BGLOs) on the persistence of African Americans at predominantly White institutions (PWIs). To investigate the relationships, emphasis was placed on social capital that may be gained through BGLO involvement. Nan Lin's (1999) network theory of social capital was used as the theoretical framework for the study. The theory highlights the idea that social capital is embedded in resources gained though social networks.</DISS_para>
<DISS_para>Grounded theory - a qualitative research approach - was used in the study. Focus groups were conducted with four BGLOs, and a series of twenty-four one-on-one interviews were conducted with eight interview participants at a PWI in the Northeast. The study revealed that (1) relationships/connections, (2) increased social lives, (3) gaining community and administrative experiences, (4) academic monitoring, and (5) leadership development, which were all framed as "returns," influenced persistence in different ways. Additionally, women found gender to be important in establishing social networks in BGLOs, whereas men de-emphasized the role of gender in their experiences. The study closes with discussion of the findings and implications for research and practice.
Description
University of Minnesota Ph.D. dissertation. February 2012. Major: Educational Policy and Administration. Advisor: Rebecca Ropers-Huilman, PhD. 1 computer file (PDF); ix, 140 pages, appendices A-J.
Related to
Replaces
License
Collections
Series/Report Number
Funding information
Isbn identifier
Doi identifier
Previously Published Citation
Suggested citation
Mitchell, Donald. (2012). Are they truly divine?: a grounded theory of the influences of Black Greek-lettered organizations on the persistence of African Americans at predominantly White institutions.. Retrieved from the University Digital Conservancy, https://hdl.handle.net/11299/121725.
Content distributed via the University Digital Conservancy may be subject to additional license and use restrictions applied by the depositor. By using these files, users agree to the Terms of Use. Materials in the UDC may contain content that is disturbing and/or harmful. For more information, please see our statement on harmful content in digital repositories.