"Bonded Over Discrimination": An Examination of Low-Income Underrepresented College Students' Social Networks

• In Event: 47.096 - MTCC Roundtable Session 20
  In Roundtable Session: 47.096-7 - Postsecondary Investigations of Challenges in Race and Gender Equity

Abstract

Research has highlighted the importance that cross-cultural social interactions have on
college students’ academic and personal development. Within the context of Predominately White Institutions (PWI) of higher education, underrepresented college students’ experiences are oftentimes characterized by segregation, discrimination, bias, micro-aggressions, and hostility. As a result, associations across boundaries are restrained. In the current political climate, these students may feel further targeted, which can have implications for their social engagements. The purpose of this qualitative study was to examine the social networks of 37 low-income underrepresented college students (Latin@s, Multiracial, and Native American) in a PWI.

Authors

• Eleni Oikonomidoy, University of Nevada - Reno

• Maria Sandra Jimenez, University of Nevada - Reno

• Matthew Aguirre, University of Nevada - Reno

• Mariluz Cristina Garcia, University of Nevada - Reno

• Jody Lykes, University of Nevada - Reno

• Adrienne Edwards

• Tamara Dawn Steinmann, University of Nevada - Reno