Preferred Name
K. Patrick Schell Jr.
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 License.
Date of Graduation
5-11-2023
Semester of Graduation
Spring
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science in Education (MSEd)
Department
Department of Learning, Technology and Leadership Education
Advisor(s)
Edward J. Brantmeier
Tabitha Coates
Diane Foucar-Szocki
Abstract
In America, racism, discrimination, and white supremacy are systemic. In the South, this is seen more prominently given its history of intolerance. Leading to diversity training being ineffective towards Southern white conservative men in society and at the workplace. This research study aims to understand Southern white conservative men’s attitudes toward diversity to inform diversity training practitioners on better training methods. It also sought entry points and a path forward in diversity training for this demographic. Focus group studies were done with four individuals in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia. Data was collected and analyzed. It was found that their attitudes on diversity involved a dislike of new ideals, an us versus them mentality, and a belief in their own greatness. This matched the pre-existing works of literature assertions. Additionally, diversity training focused on factual truth and empathy with an emphasis on lived experiences was suggested as it may lead to transformational change.
Recommended Citation
Schell, Kevin Patrick Jr., "“I like people… who are like me:” Attitudes of southern white conservative males on diversity" (2023). Masters Theses, 2020-current. 243.
https://commons.lib.jmu.edu/masters202029/243
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