Date of Conferral

2020

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Psychology

Advisor

John Schmidt

Abstract

Sustained high unemployment among educated Black jobseekers as well as disparate salaries between educated Blacks and non-Blacks continues to persist. Social capital as a major source for job attainment and career progression is recognized as a potential factor contributing to this situation. This quantitative study examined the social networking site usage intensity and external social capital development behavior among 130 graduate Black university students at predominantly White, historically Black, and diverse online universities. The theoretical foundation of social capital development was analyzed from perspectives of bridging and bonding social capital. Educational setting, sex, and socioeconomic status were used to predict intensity of social networking as assessed by the Intensity of Social Networking Usage Measure Scale and external social capital development behaviors as assessed by the External Social Capital Development Behaviors Scale among current Black graduate students. Multiple regression analyses were conducted to determine if significant relationships existed among the study variables. The findings suggest educational setting, sex, and socioeconomic status predict intensity of social network usage and external social capital development behaviors among Black university students and graduates. The results obtained can lead to positive social change by promoting employment through networking among Black university students and graduates as they enter the workforce.

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