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Balancing Marriage And Friends: The Funeral Of Friendship?, Cora Polsgrove May 2008

Balancing Marriage And Friends: The Funeral Of Friendship?, Cora Polsgrove

Sociology Honors Projects

This study examines the effect of marriage on friendship and the way individuals balance their relationships with their spouses and their friends. Data were collected from in-depth interviews with eleven adults from their mid-20s to mid-60s. Analysis revealed that marriage shapes the kinds of friendships people form, but has a less significant effect on friendships that predate marriage. Married people form mutual, activity-based friendships with other couples and maintain the emotionally close, same-gender friendships that they formed before marriage. Data supported the dominant American ideal of spouse as best friend. While marriage did have some influence on friendship patterns, work …


Parents Or Peers? Comparing The Effects Of Demographics And Social Ties On Attitudes Towards Diversity, Jeremiah Hess May 2008

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.