Politics, College, and Romance: Qualitative Data from Ohio Northern University Students
Honors Capstone Project
1
Advisor(s)
Dr. Kofi Nsia-Pepra
Dr. Robert Carrothers
Dr. Jennifer Moore
Confirmation
1
Document Type
Paper
Location
ONU McIntosh Center; Activities Room
Start Date
21-4-2026 3:25 PM
End Date
21-4-2026 3:40 PM
Abstract
As the parties continue to polarize, Generation Z becomes the current rising generation, and the average age for marriage increases, the dynamics between these phenomena is studied through qualitative surveys conducted with Ohio Northern University (ONU) students in Ada, OH. The eight interviews are in depth analysis told from the perspective of ONU students about their perspectives on politics, college, and dating. The students were also tested for ideological bias during their interviews. To understand the sociology of how politics impact our romantic relations further research is necessary. The new era of college aged individuals is a rising social group whose viewpoints are important to understand how relationships and even marriage have shifted with this generation. Romantic relationships and marriages are seen as binding, while higher education provides increased freedom. The eternal presence of politics impacts this dichotomy in a way that is studied through the rising generation. If people are not able to find different political beliefs within their own relationships, romantic or interpersonal, the fear is for political echo chambers and a lack of acceptance for others beliefs and opinions.
Recommended Citation
Hamill, Abigail A., "Politics, College, and Romance: Qualitative Data from Ohio Northern University Students" (2026). ONU Student Research Colloquium. 5.
https://digitalcommons.onu.edu/student_research_colloquium/2026/Papers/5
Restricted
Available to ONU community via local IP address and ONU login.
Politics, College, and Romance: Qualitative Data from Ohio Northern University Students
ONU McIntosh Center; Activities Room
As the parties continue to polarize, Generation Z becomes the current rising generation, and the average age for marriage increases, the dynamics between these phenomena is studied through qualitative surveys conducted with Ohio Northern University (ONU) students in Ada, OH. The eight interviews are in depth analysis told from the perspective of ONU students about their perspectives on politics, college, and dating. The students were also tested for ideological bias during their interviews. To understand the sociology of how politics impact our romantic relations further research is necessary. The new era of college aged individuals is a rising social group whose viewpoints are important to understand how relationships and even marriage have shifted with this generation. Romantic relationships and marriages are seen as binding, while higher education provides increased freedom. The eternal presence of politics impacts this dichotomy in a way that is studied through the rising generation. If people are not able to find different political beliefs within their own relationships, romantic or interpersonal, the fear is for political echo chambers and a lack of acceptance for others beliefs and opinions.