Critical Consciousness: The Mixed Effect of Sense of Community on Sociopolitical Action

Abstract

This study explores whether campus sense of community predicts critical consciousness among students. Analysis of a sample of 197 students showed a mixed relationship between campus sense of community and critical consciousness. Students who felt a sense of belonging were more likely to engage in sociopolitical action, whereas those who perceived their own needs as being met by their campus community were less likely to engage in sociopolitical action. This article discusses implications for research, theory, and practice.

Acknowledgment

The authors express gratitude to Tenille Bell and Candice Robbins for their assistance in this study.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

Data collection was funded through Governors State University’s First Year Experience Research Grant. Funding was also provided by Zayed University’s Start Up Grant.