Family, Life Course, and Society Commons^™

Parents Or Peers? Comparing The Effects Of Demographics And Social Ties On Attitudes Towards Diversity, Jeremiah Hess

Sociology Honors Projects

This research compared the predictive effect of social capital on attitudes towards diversity in a college environment. 'Social capital' was compared in terms of background precollege demographic characteristics, such as race and socioeconomic status, versus college social networks. Survey data was taken from a sample of randomly selected students (n=73) enrolled at a small Midwestern college. Statistical analysis found the most favorable views towards diversity among students with very diverse college social networks, regardless of demographic characteristics or precollege experiences. Further inquiry showed that campus organizations with cultural, athletic, or service components were the most likely to attract diverse memberships.