Organizational Context and Student Activism: Assessing Similarities and Differences across a Secular and Religious College and University

Abstract

Student activism is a well-researched phenomenon. However, student activism at religious institutions is less well known. This gap is significant given that religious colleges and universities comprise nearly 20% of all post-secondary schools in the United States (Digest of Educational Statistics). This study examines how student perceptions and behaviors associated with activism are shaped by organizational context. To answer this question, researchers interviewed students and administrators at two institutions: one secular, the other religious. We found that differences in perceptions and practices are influenced by the school administration. Additionally, we found that social change efforts at the religious institution were simultaneously nurtured and constrained by the administration. Two contributions emerge from these findings. First, an elaboration on activism at religious schools and second, the concept of embedded activism, which explains the way institutional context enables and constrains social change efforts on college and university campuses.