Seeking Sisterhood: An Exploratory Qualitative Inquiry into the Sorority Rejection Experiences of Black Women

<p>In response to a call to fill the gap left by previous studies on collegiate sorority rejection, this study explored the meaning Black women ascribe to experiences of rejection from historically Black sororities. Using Black feminist thought and sista circle methodology, this study introduced narratives from five Black women who came together to comprise a collective standpoint. To better understand this phenomenon, study participants completed individual interviews, two Sista Circles, and one reflection survey. Three main findings were the interconnectedness of Black Greek-letter organizations and Black subcommunities at predominantly white institutions, the nonlinear nature of the Black sorority rejection experience, and participants' post-rejection social navigation strategies. Student affairs practice implications address institutions' responsibility to create interventions and support structures for Black women students outside peer-led groups like Black Greek-letter organizations. Black sororities historically have been seen as a retention tool and site of resistance for Black women. Findings of this study highlight that this is not the case for the Black women rejected from these organizations. In conclusion, recommendations for future research directions are offered.</p>

Name thesis:degree_name

Ph.D.

Level thesis:degree_level

Dissertation

Year

2023

Author dc:creator

• Pulce, Jasmine Michelle

Contributors dc:contributor

• Christine A. Nelson
• D-L Stewart
• Sarah Hurtado

• Black feminist thought
• Black sororities
• Predominantly white institutions
• Sista circle methodology
• Sorority rejection
• African American Studies
• Arts and Humanities
• Education
• Feminist, Gender, and Sexuality Studies
• Higher Education
• Race, Ethnicity and Post-Colonial Studies
• Women's Studies

Statement dc:rights

• <p>Copyright is held by the author. User is responsible for all copyright compliance.</p>

Language dc:language

English (eng)

Repository record dc:identifier

https://digitalcommons.du.edu/etd/2365

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:digitalcommons.du.edu:etd-3347