Degree
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Department
The Lutrill & Pearl Payne School of Education
Document Type
Dissertation
Abstract
This study investigates the multifaceted role of historically Black sororities in fostering social capital, leadership development, and career preparedness among Black women at Predominantly White Institutions (PWIs). Situated at the intersection of Black Feminist Thought, Critical Race Theory, Critical Race Feminism, and Intersectionality, the study adopts a narrative inquiry methodology to amplify the lived experiences and self-authored stories of Black collegiate women who are members of National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) sororities.
Black sororities have historically operated not only as social organizations but also as sites of empowerment, political activism, and community engagement. At PWIs—where Black students often face marginalization, underrepresentation, and institutionalized racial and gender biases—these organizations provide critical counterspaces that affirm identity, build solidarity, and facilitate access to both cultural and social capital. This research explores how Black sorority members navigate their academic, social, and professional environments, examining how sisterhood supports their resilience, shapes their leadership identities, and prepares them for post-graduate career trajectories.
Data were collected through in-depth, semi-structured interviews with current and former members of NPHC sororities who attended PWIs across the Southern region in the United States. Through in-depth interviews, the study examines how these women navigate the racialized and gendered terrains of PWIs, build networks of support, and leverage the cultural and social capital embedded within Black Greek-letter organizations.
Findings suggest that Black sororities serve as transformative spaces that enhance leadership capacity, promote academic persistence, extend access to professional networks otherwise limited within PWI environments while fostering both individual and collective pathways to leadership and professional growth.
This research offers both theoretical insights and practical implications for educators, higher education administrators, and policymakers seeking to cultivate more inclusive and equitable environments for historically marginalized student populations. It calls for a deeper institutional recognition of the value Black Greek-letter organizations bring to campus life, student development, and long-term career outcomes for Black women navigating white-dominant educational spaces.
Date
5-28-2025
Recommended Citation
Robair, Kristin Ashley, "Divine and Determined: Black Sorority Sisterhood and the Power of Intersectional Social Capital at Predominantly White Institutions (PWI) for Leadership and Career Development" (2025). LSU Doctoral Dissertations. 6811.
https://repository.lsu.edu/gradschool_dissertations/6811
Committee Chair
Mitchell, Roland
Included in
African American Studies Commons, Civic and Community Engagement Commons, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Commons, Higher Education Commons, Leadership Studies Commons, Race and Ethnicity Commons, Training and Development Commons, Women's Studies Commons