Abstract
This ID:dp001234805 study examines whether selection, deselection, and influence processes contribute to political homogeneity in young adults. Political similarity in newly formed friendships and that in enduring friendships are distinguished. Using two cohorts from the Swiss StudentLife Study (N = 921; M age at baseline = 20.1, SD = 3.6; 18.4% female; 29.0% non-Swiss) and applying stochastic actororiented models, the coevolution of friendships, defined as an outgoing friendship nomination, and political attitudes were examined. The results provided no evidence that political attitudes significantly affect the formation or maintenance of friendships, nor do influence mechanisms shape political homogeneity. No evidence was found that relationship duration strengthened the influence process. These findings suggest that in contexts of relatively low political engagement and polarization, such as among Swiss students, political attitudes are not a significant factor in the formation or maintenance of social relationships, and peers do not affect each other’s political attitudes.
Suggested Reviewers
Katya, Ognyanova, Rutgers School of Communication and Informaiton, katya.ognyanova@rutgers.edu
Recommended Citation
Jeroense, Thijmen and Veenstra, René
()
"No Evidence of Selection or Influence on Political Attitudes: Findings From the Swiss StudentLife Study,"
Merrill-Palmer Quarterly: A Peer Relations Journal: Vol. 71:
Iss.
1, Article 4.
Available at:
https://digitalcommons.wayne.edu/mpq/vol71/iss1/4