ABSTRACT
The use of stereotypes is a long-established tradition among skillful demagogues and others who, for one reason or another, want to supply simple answers in complex situations. This chapter is based on some research which attempted to establish a more solid scientific basis for drawing conclusions (or suggesting possibilities) about Jewish college students as a group. It is consistent with the current emphasis on pluralism and ethnic identity, an emphasis that can be seen in the black power movement and in the developing awareness of identity among American Indians, Chicanos and white ethnic groups. In their responses to questionnaire items about values, attitudes and opinions on current social questions, Jewish students tended to take a more progressive view than did students from other religious backgrounds. The study discussed shows the true characteristics of the Jewish college student on a national scale.
