Undergraduates’ development of citizenship at public research universities: A data-driven imperative for social justice

Abstract

The purpose of this chapter is to present data related to development of students’ capacities for citizenship and engagement in social justice advocacy efforts at research universities. The authors utilized two sources of data in their analysis: (1) a current survey administered by several large, public research universities; and (2) a longitudinal series of surveys administered to ten cohorts of students across their four years or enrollment at public research universities. The data illustrate that the calls for action to develop citizenship and social justice commitments among college students are warranted given that significant numbers of college students graduate without gaining critical multicultural competencies and interpersonal skills, are not concerned with keeping abreast of social and community issues, and do not fully possess a strong commitment to community.