A Tale of Two Degrees

Popularized by Elfreda A. Chatman, the theory of a small world, which refers to community of like-minded individuals who share coownership of social reality, tends to be viewed in a negative light despite its possible benefits. This article examines the potential for the development of small worlds within the context of professional degrees. This potential is explored primarily through the author’s personal experiences obtaining two professional degrees: a Bachelor of Education at Tyndale University College & Seminary and a Master of Library and Information Science at the University of Western Ontario. Each of the four core concepts of Chatman’s small world theory – worldview, social norms, social types, and information behaviour – is investigated in detail through the lens of the author’s experiences. The possible advantages and disadvantages for students should a small world develop are then discussed.