Schools for the Better Making of Men? Undergraduate Black Males, Fraternity Membership, and Manhood

Abstract

This multi-institutional qualitative study was conducted to understand how African American male undergraduates, who are members of Black Greek Letter Organizations (BGLOs), construct manhood within both historically Black college and predominantly White institution contexts. Built on evidence derived from participants’ narratives, this study contributes to the field by offering manhood perspectives as a pertinent part of the overarching view of BGLO membership and identity as experienced by African American males. Following data analysis, two general themes emerged: (1) teaching persistence and leadership and (2) expanding worldviews. Findings from this study inform higher education administrators, advisors and staff about how African American male students construct manhood as members of BGLOs.