Gender Dynamics at a Christian Liberal Arts College

Research studies in recent decades have described the limiting effects of a “chilly climate” on women’s opportunities within higher educational settings. Additionally, much has been written about how gender role expectations within evangelical Christianity impact women. This study sought to understand the gender assumptions of faculty and students, to explore the impact these assumptions have on gender dynamics in the classroom, and to reveal the educational experiences and aspirations of female students at a Christian evangelical liberal arts college. Further, this study sought to explore whether female students feel they are thriving or merely surviving their college experience. This research utilized focus group interviews with 16 female and eight male students. The sample groups pulled from the diverse areas of academic study as well as ethnicity. Also, 10 faculty members were interviewed to hear their opinions, feelings, and experiences on the subject