Behind the White Veil: Total Marginality and African American Student Development at a Predominantly White University

• In Event: 42.083 - Roundtable Session 17
  In Roundtable Session: 42.083-17 - Critical Perspectives on Race and Equity in Higher Education

Abstract

The present study examines the cumulative nature of marginality felt by African American undergraduates attending a Predominantly White institution (PWI). A series of in-depth semi-structured interviews with ten African American college upperclassmen revealed the need for deeper conceptualization concerning the nature of student marginality at PWIs. Overall, the participants detailed the collective weight associated with exposure to varying levels of marginality in campus spaces, classrooms, course curriculum, residence halls, the community surrounding the institution, elements of their home environment, and during both interracial and intraracial interactions with students. This study moves beyond descriptive analyses and offers total marginality as an emergent theory affirming the collective weight of marginality on student development.

Authors

• Sonia Marrero, Texas A&M University - College Station

• Marlon C. James, Texas A&M University - College Station

• Kristin Kistner Hall, Texas A&M University - College Station

• Vanessa Liles

• Angelia Katrina Swinton, Texas A&M University - College Station