Date of Award

2022

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelors

Department

Social Sciences

First Advisor

Cottrell, Catherine

Area of Concentration

Biopsychology

Abstract

Over the recent years, researchers have begun to document the experiences of transgender and gender non-conforming students’ experiences in higher education. However, little to no research has focused on the culture around gender at undergraduate institutions (including specific components of gendered culture) or the effect of gendered culture on academic motivation and self-acceptance. To address this research gap, this study examined the experiences of transgender and gender non-conforming students through a sample of New College of Florida students (N= 39) and a non-New College sample (N= 40) representing 22 undergraduate colleges in the United States. Participants completed items measuring their academic motivation, self-acceptance, and experiences with gender in interactions with professors and peers. This study suggests that the gender-inclusive culture of classmates and professors at New College is different from the non-New College sample. The present results also suggest that undergraduate colleges can be affirming spaces for transgender and gender-nonconforming students. Practical implications of the present work are discussed for undergraduate colleges, professors, and future research.

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