STUDENT POLITICS - THE NEW LOCALISM

The nature of recent student politics has changed substantially. Natio nal surveys of college students and administrators reveal that undergr aduates have lost faith in the nation's social institutions, distrust government, and reject well-known political leaders. Students are issu e oriented and desire change. Confident in the efficacy of their gener ation, they have chosen to act locally in the community and on campus, where consumerism is a growing reality. Although campus activism is o n the rise, its dominance by small affinity groups, its local focus, a nd its peaceful, consumer tactics hide the strength of this 1990s real ity.