Pathways to Religious Pluralism in College: A Critical Analysis of Identity, Campus Context, and Engagement

• In Event: Contemporary Concerns in Religion and Education

Abstract

Higher education holds tremendous potential to confront the religious challenges of the day—and cultivate in students the capacity to do the same. This study draws on Critical Religious Pluralism Theory, and a national, longitudinal survey of more than 5,700 college students attending 118 U.S. institutions, to address the question: How do student identities, campus context, and interfaith engagement shape growth and decline in pluralism orientation during the college years? The findings of this study bring attention to the meaningful role of student identities in pluralism development, as well as welcoming campus climates and interfaith engagement, providing practice and policy strategies that leaders and educators can use to bring about culture shifts on their campuses.

Authors

• Alyssa N. Rockenbach, North Carolina State University

• Matthew J. Mayhew, The Ohio State University