Belonging in a Predominantly White Institution: The Role of Membership in Latina/o Sororities and Fraternities

This qualitative, multiple case study explored the role of involvement in a particular university subculture, Latina/o sororities and fraternities, in how Latina/o college students develop and make meaning of their sense of belonging within predominantly White institutions. Findings address ways Latina/o college students described their institutional sense of belonging in addition to a discussion of five primary characteristics of belonging: where I have a role or responsibility, where people look like me, where I am valued and cared for, where my racial identity and culture is recognized and valued, and where I share interests or values with others. The results underscore the significance of the role of belonging in campus subcultures for Latina/o college students. Implications for research and practice are discussed