Beyond the Letters: Understanding the Importance of Black Women's Sense of Belonging in Predominantly White Sororities At Predominantly White Institutions

Despite increasing racial diversity in higher education, predominantly White institutions (PWIs) often maintain environments where racial dynamics can significantly influence the student experience, particularly in social organizations such as sororities. The literature emphasizes the importance of belonging for student success, noting the complexities added by the intersectionality of race and gender in traditionally White spaces. Some authors have emphasized the need to recognize intersecting identities to understand the experiences of Black women, which often differ significantly from those of their peers. Despite these insights, there remains a gap in research specifically exploring how these intersecting identities affect Black women's experiences in sorority life at PWIs. This qualitative dissertation explores the sense of belonging among Black women in predominantly White sororities at PWIs. Using Strayhorn's sense of belonging framework as a theoretical lens, I incorporated intersectionality theory and Black identity development theory to understand the complex experiences of Black women navigating these social organizations. Seven Black women participated in a series of in-depth interviews for the exploration of the experiences and challenges that these women face. Data analysis revealed patterns and themes related to the theoretical framework, suggesting that, while Black women encounter unique challenges, they also craft spaces of empowerment and resilience. The intersection of Strayhorn's theory with intersectionality provides a rich understanding of how longing is multifaceted and contingent on intersecting identities, leading to significant implications

Grantor dc:publisher

University of Alabama Libraries

Year dc:date.issued

2026

Author dc:creator

• Ballard, Kayla Danielle

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Major, Claire H.

Contributors dc:contributor

• Hardy, David
• Gong, Hee Jung
• Johnson, Tonjanita
• Gillan, Kathleen

• Black women
• predominantly white insitutions
• predominantly white sororities
• qualitative study
• Strayhorn sense of belonging

Statement dc:rights

• All rights reserved by the author unless otherwise indicated.

Language dc:language.iso

en_US, English

Dc Identifier Other

1233273

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:ir.ua.edu:123456789/18045