“They Don’t Even Know that We Exist”: Exploring Sense of Belonging Within Sorority and Fraternity Communities for Latina/o Members

Authors

Crystal Garcia, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow

Date of this Version

2019

Citation

Published in Journal of College Student Development, Volume 60, Number 3 (May-June 2019), pp. 319-336.

doi:10.1353/csd.2019.0029

Comments

Published by Johns Hopkins University Press. Used by permission.

Abstract

In this qualitative, multiple-case study, I explored the perceptions of members of Latinx/a/o–based sororities and fraternities and their feelings of belonging within the greater fraternity and sorority life (FSL) community. Findings reflect the salience of race and privilege in participant experiences as individuals recognized their organizations as different worlds from sororities and fraternities within the National Panhellenic Council and Interfraternity Council. Critical Race Theory and LatCrit were used to examine the roles of race and racism within the FSL community while also underscoring the unique experiences of Latina/o FSL members from 2 large, predominantly White universities in the Midwest. Findings suggest implications for addressing inequity within FSL communities and recommendations for future research.