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Article
Doing a Good Job at a Bad Thing: The Prevalence and Perpetuation of Stereotypes about Black Greek-Letter Sororities
Oracle: The Research Journal of the Association of Fraternity and Sorority Advisors
  • Natalie T. J. Tindall, Georgia State University
  • Marcia D. Hernandez, University of the Pacific
  • Matthew W. Hughey, Mississippi State University
ORCID
Marcia D. Hernandez: 0000-0001-9556-7699
Document Type
Article
Department
Sociology
DOI
10.25774/8b9j-wc32
Publication Date
1-1-2011
Disciplines
Abstract

This study examined how stereotypes among alumnae members of historically Black sororities affected their experiences as both undergraduate and graduate members. This research contributes to the literature on skin color bias and to the stereotypes of Black women. For the majority of women we surveyed for this research, the myths and stereotypes surrounding skin color bias, intra-racial group relations, beauty, and femininity of different historically Black sororities influenced the initial perceptions of members in each group. The findings include some commonality among stereotypes about the oldest sororities (Alpha Kappa Alpha and Delta Sigma Theta), yet stereotypes about the other organizations (Zeta Phi Beta and Sigma Gamma Rho) varied due to age, college life experience, and the geographic location of the interviewees. Implications and considerations for future research are included.

Citation Information
Natalie T. J. Tindall, Marcia D. Hernandez and Matthew W. Hughey. "Doing a Good Job at a Bad Thing: The Prevalence and Perpetuation of Stereotypes about Black Greek-Letter Sororities" Oracle: The Research Journal of the Association of Fraternity and Sorority Advisors Vol. 6 Iss. 2 (2011) p. 36 - 53 ISSN: 2165-7858
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/marcia-hernandez/16/