| Title: |
Belonging and Social Class at a Religious University: Can Discussions of Religion and Purpose Close the Gap? |
| Language: |
English |
| Authors: |
Nick Andre (ORCID 0000-0002-0998-3440); Meghan Fletcher (ORCID 0009-0006-7162-4277); Hudson Graber (ORCID 0009-0002-0859-4221); Kevin D. Dougherty (ORCID 0000-0002-4925-3311); Michael Ryan (ORCID 0000-0002-1040-1217); Perry L. Glanzer (ORCID 0000-0002-3649-2516); Sarah A. Schnitker (ORCID 0000-0002-2403-9765) |
| Source: |
Religious Education. 2025 120(2):190-204. |
| Availability: |
Routledge. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 530 Walnut Street Suite 850, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Tel: 215-625-8900; Fax: 215-207-0050; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals |
| Peer Reviewed: |
Y |
| Page Count: |
15 |
| Publication Date: |
2025 |
| Document Type: |
Journal Articles; Reports - Research |
| Education Level: |
Higher Education; Postsecondary Education |
| Descriptors: |
Sense of Belonging; Social Class; Religious Colleges; Religion; Low Income Students; Barriers; School Culture; College Faculty; Teacher Influence; Peer Influence; Culturally Relevant Education; College Seniors; Discussion |
| DOI: |
10.1080/00344087.2025.2472529 |
| ISSN: |
0034-4087; 1547-3201 |
| Abstract: |
Sense of belonging is important in higher education. Unfortunately, sense of belonging is not evenly experienced by all college students. Using a theoretical framework based on the Culturally Engaging Campus Environment model, we examine the influence of social class and discussions of religion/spirituality (in class, with faculty, and with peers) on students' sense of belonging at a religious university in the U.S. South. Regression analyses in a survey of seniors reveal that lower- and working-class students feel less belonging at the university, but occasional discussions with faculty on the meaning and the purpose of life enhance belonging for these students. |
| Abstractor: |
As Provided |
| Entry Date: |
2026 |
| Accession Number: |
EJ1502418 |
| Database: |
ERIC |