Diversity and the influence of friendship groups in college

In challenging the rather simplistic and unsubstantiated images of diverse campuses as racially balkanized sites that foster increased racial antagonism or indifference, this study focuses on racial diversity in college friendship groups. Results indicate that perceptions of balkanization may differ strikingly from actual interpersonal experiences with diversity; especially friendship. Further, students with more diverse friendship groups are more likely to engage in interracial interactions that contribute to racial understanding and cultural awareness.