Diversity in belief systems amongst university students

Abstract

This study is concerned with social representations of belief systems amongst university students. Furthermore, it aims to uncover what elements can have an effect on the participants' perspectives regarding these beliefs. A qualitative design is employed, consisting mainly of three focus groups, conducted with university students between the ages of 20-24. The findings from the data analysis indicate the presence of one global theme and three superordinate themes all of which refer to data which featured in all focus groups. The main findings portray religion as a normative standard, which refers to the way religion seems to penetrate all the other belief systems. Moreover, the other findings refer to 'superstition' and suggest that participants connect religion with lucky charms, destiny and positive thinking. Additionally, this research indicates that one factor affecting the development of belief systems is conditioning. This includes conditioning by family, habits, culture, tradition, guilt/deviance and experiences. Lastly, this study suggests that some human basic needs are met through the practice of some kind of belief system.