Understanding the African-American Student Experience in Higher Education Through a Relational Dialectics Perspective

Abstract

In this study, we sought to understand African-American students' higher-education experiences in predominantly White universities. We utilized Baxter's relational dialectics theory to study components of focus-group discussions in order to understand the discourse and meaning-making process of participants. Our findings provide insight into the intercultural context of higher education in America and suggest strategies for maintaining the relationship between African-American students and the institutions in which they are enrolled.

Keywords:

• Relational Dialectics Theory
• African-American Student Experience
• Higher Education
• Focus Groups
• Intercultural Communication