Navigating political identity in the big red dot: Political conversations among rural Oklahoman college students

Abstract

This study examines ways in which rural Oklahoman college students navigated their various layered identities in political conversations during a year fraught with political events, including those leading up to the 2020 presidential elections, the global spread of the COVID-19 virus, and escalating racial tensions related to police brutality. Research questions were proposed utilizing a theoretical framework grounded in literature on ruralness, political socialization, political identity and identity politics, identity development, social identity, and identity negotiation. Twenty-two online interviews and three online focus groups were completed. Qualitative analysis software was used to analyze the interview transcriptions. Multiple approaches were used in the analysis, including grounded theory and discourse analysis. Findings first examine cultural influences related to political socialization and political conversations. Next, findings reveal ways in which rural Oklahoman college students navigate differences between their hometowns and college campus through political conversation. Through political conversations, I explain how some participants developed a more mindful attitude when talking politics, along with how these conversations helped students develop a newfound sense of self.