BICULTURALISM AND IDENTITY IN CONTEMPORARY GULLAH FAMILIES by Peggy MacLeod Vogel Dissertation submitted to the Faculty of Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY in FAMILY AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT APPROVED: Janet K. Sawyers, Chairperson Katherine R. Allen Scott W. Johnson Dallas M. Johnson Michael J. Sporakowski February 25, 2000 Blacksburg, Virginia Key Words: Gullah, Family, Psychological, Bicultural, Symbolic Interaction, Identity Biculturalism and Identity in Contemporary Gullah Families Peggy MacLeod Vogel Abstract A qualitative study, using an oral history method was completed. Seven participants (2 men, 5 women) of Gullah descent from the St. Helena’s Island and Charleston, South Carolina area were extensively interviewed. Symbolic interactionism provided the theoretical framework for the study. Findings included the recognition of the Gullah as a unique cultural group and the possible effects of slavery on identity formation for individuals as well as the Gullah community. Striking differences in physical space utilization between Gullah and non-Gullah residents were suggested. The presence of conflict between African and European beliefs and practices were seen in areas such as religious traditions, child rearing, and language. The pervasive effect of racism on identity and its relationship to biculturalism was discussed. Biculturalism appeared to be strongly related to survival as well as being an integral part of the participants’ identities. ii Dedication To my children, Ricky Zimmermann Sarah Zimmermann Samantha Vogel Adam Vogel Philip Vogel Judy Pearman Wheeler To my husband, Mike Vogel To my parents, Norman and Isadore MacLeod To my brothers and sister, Alex MacLeod, Dan MacLeod and Lynn Strom To my godmother and her brother, Sybel Fellows and Charlie Fellows To my very best friends, Sandi Brenner, Judy Hoffman, Rebecca Lowry, Nancy McGee and Sue Stroman For all your sacrifice, love, and support, I dedicate this work to you. Peggy MacLeod Vogel February 25, 2000 iii Acknowledgments This study would never have been completed without a great deal of support and encouragement, especially from my family, friends, committee members and the Gullah/Geechee Sea Island Coalition. My deepest gratitude goes to: My children, Ricky Zimmermann, Sarah Zimmermann, and Samantha Vogel whose years of encouragement, cajoling, love and humor provided their Mom with the means to persevere. My husband, Mike, whose love and faith in my abilities was an inspiration to me. You never doubted that I could do this. My parents, Norman and Lynn MacLeod, who always encouraged my studies. My committee members: Dr. Janet Sawyers, who chaired my committee, for her unlimited patience, creativity, flexibility, academic excellence and adeptness at calming and focusing this veteran graduate student. Dr. Michael Sporakowski, for many enjoyable classes, constant encouragement and willingness to work so hard to help me complete this study. Dr. Katherine Allen, for her encouragement of excellence and her ability to bring out the best in me. iv Dr. Scott Johnson, for his kindness, encouragement and scholarship during this lengthy process. Dr. Dallas Johnson, for the years of friendship, mentoring, and for reminding me that I could do this. The two best secretaries at Virginia Tech: Ms. Martha Maretz and Ms. Kathy Surface for all their help and encouragement throughout this journey. My very best friends: Nancy McGee, Rebecca Lowry, Judy Hoffman, Sandi Brenner, and Sue Stroman, for always being there for me. This study would not have existed without the inspiration provided by my Gullah friend and colleague, Marjorie MacIver. I wish to extend my greatest appreciation to Marquetta Goodwine, the members of the Gullah/Geechee Sea Island Coalition, and the participants in this study for opening up their hearts and homes to me and allowing me to glimpse the greatness of the Gullah people. You made this dream come true. “Een all tings gee t’enks.” Peggy MacLeod Vogel February 25, 2000 v TABLE OF CONTENTS ABSTRACT..........................................................................................................................................................II DEDICATION ...................................................................................................................................................III ACKNOWLEDGMENTS ................................................................................................................................ IV CHAPTER ONE ...................................................................................................................................................1 INTRODUCTION..............................................................................................................................................1 Statement of the Problem ...............................................................................................................................1 Purpose of the Study.......................................................................................................................................2 Theoretical Framework Guiding the Study...................................................................................................3 Operational Definitions of Key Terms and Concepts ...................................................................................3 Overview of the Study .....................................................................................................................................5 Participants ....................................................................................................................................................6 Data Collection and Analysis ........................................................................................................................6 Research Questions ........................................................................................................................................6 Scope and Delimitations of the Study ............................................................................................................7 CHAPTER TWO..................................................................................................................................................9 THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK AND LITERATURE REVIEW................................................................9 Personal Narrative.........................................................................................................................................9 Research Related to the Theoretical Framework........................................................................................10 Substantive Literature ..................................................................................................................................16 Analysis of Research Related to Method/Measurement/Instrumentation ..................................................48 Significance of the Proposed Research in Relation to Existing Research, Theory, and Practice ............50 CHAPTER THREE............................................................................................................................................52 METHODOLOGY...........................................................................................................................................52 Overview of the Research Design ................................................................................................................52 Description of the Population and Sample..................................................................................................52 Sample Selection Procedures.......................................................................................................................53 Data Collection Procedures.........................................................................................................................54 Pilot Study of Procedures and Measures ....................................................................................................55 Description of Instrumentation/Measurements...........................................................................................56 Data Analysis Process..................................................................................................................................56 CHAPTER FOUR ..............................................................................................................................................58 PRESENTATION OF FINDINGS..................................................................................................................58 Island Bound: Places and Participants......................................................................................................58 Thematic Analysis .........................................................................................................................................64 Born Gullah: “Being Gullah” and Identity .............................................................................................................. 65 Acting White: Dueling Identities and Biculturalism ............................................................................................... 77 What Those Ol’ Folks Do: Tradition and Identity..................................................................................................