”Either or, Not as a Whole:” Challenges of Multiracial Student Placemaking and Belonging in Sorority and Fraternity Chapters

Authors

Pietro A. Sasso, Delaware State University
Kim E. Bullington, Old Dominion University

Publication Date

12-15-2023

First Page

39

Last Page

66

Abstract

This qualitative narrative inquiry study explored how Multiracial members negotiate multiple racial identities and locations to find a sense of belonging within sorority and fraternity environments. Participants eventually found a sense of belonging within their chapters through peers who they educated about their multiraciality. Their placemaking was fraught with experiences of monoracism, colorism, and relationships, which positioned them to serve as racial buffers and cultural translators for their monoracial chapter peers. The tenets of interest convergence and monoracism of Multiracial critical theory are used to interrogate these findings. Implications are provided to help campus-based professionals engage in identity advocacy and inclusion.

Recommended Citation

Sasso, Pietro A. and Bullington, Kim E. (2023) "”Either or, Not as a Whole:” Challenges of Multiracial Student Placemaking and Belonging in Sorority and Fraternity Chapters," Journal of Sorority and Fraternity Life Research and Practice: Vol. 18: Iss. 2, Article 7.
Available at: https://scholarworks.wm.edu/oracle/vol18/iss2/7