Exploring the Commitment to African American and Latino Male Cultural Identities at Texas Four-Year Universities

• In Event: Roundtable Session 20
  In Roundtable Session: Identity Formation and College Success Among Latino and African American Men

Abstract

The purpose of this research study was to explore how African American and Latino male college students perceive an institution’s commitment to their transition and acculturation into a four-year university. This study utilized an identity intersectionality framework to acknowledge both the individual and structural factors that contribute to social and system inequalities. Through focus group discourse, students expressed how social identities of race, ethnicity, gender, and class are interrelated in their navigation of the educational system. The findings offer implications for post-secondary institutions in providing support based on the unique cultural identities that African American and Latino males contribute to the collegiate environment.

Authors

• Veronica Jones, The University of Texas - Austin

• DeAna McCusky, The University of Texas - Austin

• Victor Saenz, The University of Texas - Austin