Coasting From De Facto to De Jure Segregation: Historical Inertia in Historically White-Only Fraternities

• In Event: Friday Roundtable Session 11:25 am
  In Roundtable Session: Activism, Education, and Integration: The Historical Roots and Continued Persistence of Segregation (Table 21)

Abstract

Historically White Fraternal Organizations (WFs) are powerful mechanisms of social reproduction.

Founded during de facto racial segregation, their history continues to impact their composition and helps gatekeep networks of men in authoritative positions with decision-making power. Broadly, this promotes the reproduction of inequity at a social-level.

Historical inertia is insidious and normalizes unequal access to resources across racial groups, thereby maintaining their racialized organizational structure, including segregation.

However, theoretical concepts of hegemony demonstrate potential for challenges to White dominant, hegemonic policies and practices, including cultural practices that dissuade membership of men of color.

I propose actors work in coordination to challenge segregationist impacts of historical inertia. I also propose directions for future research and contemporary integration initiatives in higher education.

Author

• Evelyn Ambríz, Cornell University