MEASURING SELF-CENSORSHIP AND POLARIZATION IN HIGHER EDUCATION

ABSTRACT

The present study applied an instrument for mapping indicators of self-censorship and polarization in a sample of 357 university students. We asked how comfortable or reluctant respondents are in participating in discussions on a variety of sensitive topics, what consequences respondents who self-censor are most concerned about, and other questions related to their experience on campus. We concluded that, among the topics raised, political discussions generate the most conflict and self-censorship among students and that those who self-censor are mostly concerned with social reprisals. We also evaluated which elements of the respondents’ profile influence their perceptions of these problems. Finally, we discussed limitations of the study and pointed out directions for future research and interventions based on these results.

Keywords
Self-censorship; Polarization; Higher education; Freedom of speech; Political tolerance