Caleb Porter and Renata Forste, Sociology

Through the use of the 2008 European Values study Dr. Forste and I initially examined factors associated with France’s nationalistic and assimilative tendencies by modeling how religiosity, education levels, and socioeconomic status predict French attitudes towards immigration. Our results showed that religiosity and spirituality played a dynamic and intriguing role in immigration attitudes. As a result of these findings I first attended and presented a poster at the Mary Lou Fulton conference here at Brigham Young. Our research in France has lead to an expansion of our initial findings and we have since gone on to further examine the effects of religiosity and spirituality on immigration attitudes in all of Europe. Dr. Forste and I have worked closely together and are currently preparing a submission for the Journal of the Scientific Study of Religion. Interestingly, our primary results have shown that spirituality plays a large role in people’s acceptance and tolerance of immigrants and their respective cultures. Conversely, religiosity appears to have a slight negative effect on immigration attitudes. So we have observed that those who are spiritual but not overly religious tend to be more tolerant towards immigrants. We hope to further our studies of immigrant attitudes and spirituality this summer in London as we examine the different components of National Identity in Great Britain.

I have loved working closely with Dr. Forste. She is an incredible mentor and has allowed me to have a hands-on experience with what research is currently going on within the field of Sociology. I am grateful for Dr. Forste’s willingness to serve as a guide and a mentor throughout the course of this project and I think that I had an exemplary mentoring experience with Dr. Forste.

My ORCA has literally opened the door to some of the most incredible opportunities I have had as a college student. Without the catalyst of an ORCA grant I would otherwise never have been able to have such opportunities and exposure to a fascinating field of research. I feel that I have grown personally and spiritually throughout my experience as an ORCA grant recipient. Working with Dr. Forste I have developed a greater appreciation for my capabilities in reasoning out difficult problems and have become a more autonomous and selfmotivated person. I have also learned to question the world around me and have learned how to actively seek out answers to those questions which has in turn deepened my understanding of the gospel and has lead me to more actively seek out answers to questions regarding my own spirituality. Overall, I am incredibly grateful for those who are willing to donate their money and time to create such an intricate and useful opportunity. I am excited for the opportunities that will continue to unfold thanks in large part to my receiving an ORCA grant. I appreciate your kindness and encourage you to continue opening doors and possibilities to those who are truly curious and engaged in their respective fields.