ERIC Number: EJ862025
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2009
Pages: 29
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1065-6219
EISSN: N/A
The Influence of a Small Christian University's Culture on Selected Characteristics of Emerging Adulthood
Shuster, Melvin; Mongetta, Jillian
Journal of Research on Christian Education, v18 n2 p206-234 2009
In the past 50 years researchers have identified a number of demographic shifts occurring within industrialized societies that have resulted in changes in the nature of the developmental processes occurring in young adults. Arnett (2000) labels this new, socially constructed time period, between the ages of 18 and 25 years, as emerging adulthood. His theory posits that culture plays a strong role in young peoples' transition to adulthood. The present study, modeled after Nelson (2003), was undertaken to explore the possible role that a university subculture may play in the process of the emergence of individuals into young adults. This study investigated the level of student involvement, subjective perceptions of adulthood status, religious identity, and behavioral activities of students attending a small Christian university located in Northern California. The results support the belief that the norms and values of a subculture may influence its members in ways that are different than the majority culture. Future studies, designed to better understand the impact of the university culture on emerging adults, are suggested. (Contains 5 tables.)
Descriptors: Individual Development, Social Change, Young Adults, Status, Adults, Self Concept, Small Schools, Christianity, Student Subcultures, Universities, Context Effect
Routledge. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 325 Chestnut Street Suite 800, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Fax: 215-625-2940; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: High Schools
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: California
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A