College Party Culture and Identity

Presenter

Niyati V. Shroff

Campus

UMass Amherst

Sponsor

Leda Cooks, Department of Communication, UMass Amherst

Schedule

Session 5, 3:30 PM - 4:15 PM [Schedule by Time][Poster Grid for Time/Location]

Location

Poster Board A37, Campus Center Auditorium, Row 2 (A21-A40) [Poster Location Map]

Abstract

As you walk into a room full of strangers, the electrifying music blasts through the speakers and the LED lights wash over the crowd with a uniting vibrance, setting the stage for an evening of unforgettable experiences and spontaneous connections. For many college students, this is the quintessential party experience. These nightly gatherings seem to have a ritualistic nature with their own set of guidelines regarding how to act, who to be with, what to wear, etc. yet they serve a greater purpose in society. Although party culture is often associated with loud music and intoxicated individuals, the need for this unique social culture can be explained by many evolutionary psychologists studying rhythm and body language, and sociologists' ideas of collective effervescence, symbolic interactionism, and self-identity theories. This exploration of party culture introduces a new perspective on the subject through an interpretive lens, while critically examining and applying insights from famous theorists and contemporary thinkers to build a solid foundation and justification for this popular yet undiscussed culture. Through a seven-question interview with a few UMass Amherst students showcased in a video documentary, this work provides deeper insight into a social phenomenon central to many generations, while forming a consensus for what current college students believe at a top-party school famously known as Zoomass. This research seeks to expose modern-day party culture by putting together all the nuances and flavors that are often disregarded or unnoticed and shed light on this taboo topic.

Keywords

Symbolic Interactionism, Identity Theory, Evolutionary Psychology and Body Language, College Campus Culture, Sociological Perspectives on Identity

Research Area

Communication and Media Studies

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