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White Males in Black Fraternities: Life Experiences Leading White Males to Join a Historically Black Fraternity

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Date Issued:
2012
Abstract/Description:
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.
Title: White Males in Black Fraternities: Life Experiences Leading White Males to Join a Historically Black Fraternity.
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Name(s): Butts, Christopher, Author
Cintron Delgado, Rosa, Committee Chair
Owens, James, Committee Member
Boyd, Tammy, Committee Member
Welch, Kerry, Committee Member
University of Central Florida, Degree Grantor
Type of Resource: text
Date Issued: 2012
Publisher: University of Central Florida
Language(s): English
Abstract/Description: 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.
Identifier: CFE0004342 (IID), ucf:49430 (fedora)
Note(s): 2012-05-01
Ed.D.
Educational and Human Sciences
Doctoral
This record was generated from author submitted information.
Subject(s): White Males -- Black Fraternity -- Membership -- Social Identity Theory
Persistent Link to This Record: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0004342
Restrictions on Access: public 2012-05-15
Host Institution: UCF

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