Chloe Flagg, a sociology student, has found a division of ancestry in rural Iowa through her research for her master’s degree here at the University of Wyoming. Alongside UW Sociology Professor Matthew Painter, Flagg’s research will be published in the journal Rural Sociology. The survey consisted of people of German, British, Irish, and French descent.
In a statement released by the university Flagg’s research included, “data from a survey of 99 Iowa communities with populations between 500 and 10,000, along with U.S. Census data, Flagg found a correlation between white ethnic diversity and decreased feelings of community attachment. Previous research has shown that feelings of community connectivity strengthen positive feelings of pride, happiness and security.”
From this statement Flagg also wrote in her findings, “Together, this work draws attention to the persistence of divisions within a racial group that is quite often viewed — by both scholars and the general public — as homogenous,” Flagg wrote, suggesting further research on the topic in larger communities.
“If ethnic distinctions among those of European ancestry are still present and influence feelings about community life within larger cities, this constitutes a source of division that shapes the way in which Americans relate to and interact with one another and, ultimately, may be dividing U.S. society.”
This study shows that, “the influence of ancestry may be passed between generations in unconscious ways, perhaps becoming evident in personalities, tendencies, attitudes and behaviors.” wrote Flagg in her research.
Flagg is a graduate of Riverton High School and Central Wyoming College, and earned two bachelor’s degrees from the UW sociology department while she is currently earning her master’s degree in sociology and a minor in statistics here at UW.
