Sharing Space: Exploring spatial patterns of social division in the Grinnell College dining spaces
This report seeks to explore whether Grinnell College students exhibit spatial patterns of social division in shared dining spaces. It draws upon spatial and demographic data voluntarily provided by 465 Grinnell College students and collected through an interactive, online survey. It uses kernel density analysis and visualization in order to identify patterns of clustering based on demographic information in the Marketplace Dining Hall and the Spencer Grill. Our results reveal compelling evidence of athletes and off-campus residents congregating in the Commons of the dining hall and international student congregation in the Cozy. However, we do not find any significant separation among communities in the Spencer Grill.