Instrumental or Meaningful Friendships: Black Alumnae Perspectives on Peer Relationships During College

• In Event: When I dare to be powerful: Black Women in Higher Education

Abstract

This critical qualitative study explores how Black women experienced friendships throughout college. Findings revealed that long-term friendships were both created and maintained and were meaningful in nature, and often spanned several contexts. Women also described shorter-term instrumental friendships; designed to meet a particular need, which were often context-bound.

Authors

• Rachelle Winkle-Wagner, University of Wisconsin

• Courtney Luedke, University of Wisconsin Whitewater

• Carmen McCallum, Eastern Michigan University

• Brittany Ota-Malloy, University of Wisconsin - Madison