“What They See as Acceptable:” A Co-Cultural Theoretical Analysis of Black Male Students at a Predominantly White Institution

Abstract

This study uses co-cultural theory to explore how African American male college students select and enact communication strategies at a predominantly White institution when interacting with dominant groups. The authors use focus groups and individual interviews to examine the experiences of the participants. Three themes evolved from the data: (a) aggressive assimilation: negotiating stereotypes and self-identity, (b) nonassertive separation: negotiating marginalization and power imbalances, and (c) desire for accommodation: communication strategy impediments. They conclude with implications for co-cultural theory and suggestions for future research.

KEYTERMS:

• African American males
• co-cultural theory
• college students
• predominantly White institutions