Gemenskap och utanförskap i en studentförening - en kvantitativ studie av en studentförening

Sammanfattning: The purpose of this paper was to examine if there was an experience of alienation in a student association and what the meaning of the usage of symbols and having a commitment within a group meant to maintain the group identity. Using a quantitative method the research analyzed answers from students in the student association at the university of technology in Lund. The theory in this paper was combined by using two themes, alienation and commitment. We are dependent of being a part of a context. The context helps us develop our identity. To develop our identity we need to feel a belonging within the group. The identity is maintained by the members’ involvement in the group. Members that choose not to commit to the group are perceived as deviant by the other group members. From another perspective the group needs the deviant members to maintain a balance within the group. Symbols like clothes and language characterizes feelings towards being a part of the group. Some members experience alienation even though they are part of the unit. Students from different sections within the student association have answered a questionnaire that has been handed out by the author. 103 members of the students association answered the form.