Social Separation, Group Formation and Cohesion: A Study of West Indian Student Behaviour

Abstract

<p>This thesis deals with the social phenomena of social separation, group formation and cohesion among West Indian students at McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario. It explores and analyses the factors which come together to foster and produce a relatively cohesive group of students, operating in a "foreign" environment. These factors are, (1) West Indian perception of the way Canadians feel about them, (2) West Indian perception of Cultural differences between themselves and Canadians, (3) West Indian awareness and perception of their similarities in a foreign setting, and (4) The desire of West Indians to associate with others of like kind.</p> <p>This process of social separation, group formation and cohesion occurs despite the heterogenous character of the societal backgrounds from which these students come.</p>