Hidden Minorities on Campus: The Community Formation and Social Negotiations of Evangelical Christian Students at Elite Nonsectarian Universities

Abstract

Within the context of nonsectarian elite universities, Evangelical Christian students have historically been regarded as occupants of a socially hegemonic status. The contemporary narrative regarding Evangelical students at nonsectarian elite universities has largely dismissed their potential for minority group status. Consequently, Evangelical students at nonsectarian elite universities become a ‘hidden minority’ group, compared to traditionally established minority groups. Evangelical students at nonsectarian elite universities are minorities ideologically and culturally; in principles and practices; through the ways by which they form community and negotiate with their social milieu. This research presents a case study of ‘hidden minority’ group potential through Christian Union NOVA, an Evangelical student organization based in Princeton University. The case study is analyzed primarily through ethnographic observations, which are supplemented with digital content analysis.