A Photo Illicit Study of Black Women's Sense of Belonging at a Predominately White Institution

Abstract

This qualitative study sought to examine how Black women define and create their sense of belonging while attending a predominately White institution using a photovoice approach. The women took photographs of spaces that they frequently occupy and then engaged in a face-to-face interview to discuss the photographs. The researcher also investigated four Black women, ranging from junior to graduate level, to identify how they developed a sense of belonging at the research site institution. Results of the study showed that a feeling of comfort was most important when identifying belongingness in a space. The participants were able to create a sense of belonging on- and off-campus with the assistance of three key factors: creating a home, using spaces for its intended use, and having people invested in them.

Date of Award	2018
Original language	American English
Awarding Institution	Eastern Illinois University
Supervisor	Dianne M Timm (Supervisor)