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Virginia Tech

Biculturalism and Identity in Contemporary Gullah Families

Abstract

dc:description.abstract

A qualitative study, using an oral history method was completed. Seven participants (2 men, 5 women) of Gullah descent from the St. Helena's Island and Charleston, South Carolina area were extensively interviewed. Symbolic interactionism provided the theoretical framework for the study. Findings included the recognition of the Gullah as a unique cultural group and the possible effects of slavery on identity formation for individuals as well as the Gullah community. Striking differences in physical space utilization between Gullah and non-Gullah residents were suggested. The presence of conflict between African and European beliefs and practices were seen in areas such as religious traditions, child rearing, and language. The pervasive effect of racism on identity and its relationship to biculturalism was discussed. Biculturalism appeared to be strongly related to survival as well as being an integral part of the participants' identities.

Degree

thesis:*
Name thesis:degree_name
Ph. D.
Level thesis:degree_level
doctoral
Discipline thesis:degree_discipline
Human Development
Department dc:contributor.department
Human Development
Grantor dc:publisher
Virginia Tech
Year dc:date.issued
2000

Author and committee

dc:creator, dc:contributor.*
Author dc:creator
  • Vogel, Peggy MacLeod
Chair dc:contributor.committeechair
  • Sawyers, Janet K.
Committee members dc:contributor.committeemember
  • Johnson, Dallas M.
  • Sporakowski, Michael J.
  • Johnson, Scott W.
  • Allen, Katherine R.

Subjects

dc:subject × 6

Rights

dc:rights
Statement dc:rights
  • In Copyright

Identifiers

dc:identifier.*
Dc Identifier Other
etd-03132000-13320015
OAI identifier oai:identifier
oai:vtechworks.lib.vt.edu:10919/37496

Chain of custody

source
Harvested from
Virginia Tech
Base URL
vtechworks.lib.vt.edu/oai/request
Last updated
2026-07-22
Source record
OAI-PMH GetRecord
citation

Vogel, Peggy MacLeod. Biculturalism and Identity in Contemporary Gullah Families. doctoral thesis, Virginia Tech, 2000. http://hdl.handle.net/10919/37496