Exploring first-generation Latina students’ campus experiences within Latina sororities

Gonzalez, Nicole Denise (2021) Exploring first-generation Latina students’ campus experiences within Latina sororities. Doctoral thesis, Northern Arizona University.

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Abstract

The study examined first-generation Latinas’ experience in higher education, specifically those involved in Latina sororities. Research has documented the many obstacles first-generation Latina students experience, which provides higher education the opportunity to address the concerns and improve academic achievement. However, more research needs to be conducted to identify the contributing factors that promote academic and social benefits for first-generation Latinas. Latina sororities claim to provide first-generation Latinas a sense of belonging, which in turn leads to higher achievement attainment (Olivas, 1996 & Tinto, 2016). Since most mainstream sororities entail homogenous demographics that do not allude to traditions that represent the Latinx culture. Many first-generation Latinas feel excluded from participating in activities that do not attest to their self-identity. The feelings of isolation create a rippling effect in achievement and persistence from the consequences that occur when students lose confidence, therefore, detaching themselves from the campus culture. Latina sororities claim to provide first-generation. Latina sororities are one response to these trends and may offer a promising strategy for ensuring the success of first-generation Latinas. This qualitative research study employed a multi-case study to collect narratives that explored first-generation Latinas’ campus experiences while being active members of a Latina sororities. This study collected data through an online survey, focus groups, and individual interviews. The study used an intersectionality theoretical framework to explore the various identities that contribute to first-generation Latinas’ experiences.

Item Type:	Thesis (Doctoral)
Publisher’s Statement:	© Copyright is held by the author. Digital access to this material is made possible by the Cline Library, Northern Arizona University. Further transmission, reproduction or presentation of protected items is prohibited except with permission of the author.
Keywords:	First-Generation Latinas; Latina Sororities; Latinas
Subjects:	L Education > LC Special aspects of education
NAU Depositing Author Academic Status:	Student
Department/Unit:	Graduate College > Theses and Dissertations College of Education > Educational Leadership
Date Deposited:	25 Feb 2022 20:39
Last Modified:	25 Feb 2022 20:39
URI:	https://openknowledge.nau.edu/id/eprint/5763

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