Date Thesis Awarded
4-2018
Access Type
Honors Thesis -- Access Restricted On-Campus Only
Degree Name
Bachelors of Arts (BA)
Department
Government
Advisor
Dr. Claire McKinney
Committee Members
Dr. Lenneal Henderson
Dr. Joanna Schug
Abstract
This research explores the intersectionalities between race, gender and institution and the role these variables have on the types of social expectations African American men and women experience. Through this study, I delve into how these factors impact their attitudes towards educational achievement at the collegiate level. The findings revealed five themes that emerged at the two institutions. Notably, the tendency of African American women at a predominantly white institution to be almost twice as likely as African American men to rely upon the black tradition of self-help. Alternatively, African American men at a historically black college or university were more likely to rely on the tradition of self-help in comparison to African American women. I argue that institution culture and expectations shape the behaviors exhibited across lines of race and gender. This study provides policy recommendations for these two types of institutions, as well as, culturally inclusive practices that would be highly beneficial to the growth, support, and security of African American men and women attitudes as they work towards educational achievement.
Recommended Citation
Bright, Dara, "Standing At A Crossroad: An Examination of Societal Expectations on the Attitudes of African American Men & Women towards Academic Achievement at a PWI and a HBCU" (2018). Undergraduate Honors Theses. William & Mary. Paper 1174.
https://scholarworks.wm.edu/honorstheses/1174
