The role of sense of community on perceived inequalities

Abstract

The present study furthers our knowledge of critical consciousness within the underexplored context of Iran. More specifically, we explore a novel area of critical consciousness, which integrates relational and emotional dimensions beyond the better understood behavioral and cognitive dimensions. We administered the Critical Consciousness Scale, the Sense of Community Index-2, and a demographic questionnaire to first year university students. While the factor structure of both measures did not fit the Iranian sample, we did find higher endorsement for perceived inequality in regard to race and gender for students who reported high levels of fitting in as well as those who reported low levels of fitting in while placing high importance on sense of community. We discuss implications for research, theory, and practice.

Keywords

• Critical Consciousness, Relationality, Emotions, Sense of Community, Iran