Keywords

Boba tea, identity, sense of belonging, culture, food, anthropology

Abstract

This thesis explores the cultural and social significance of boba tea shops among college students aged 18 to 26 in Greater Orlando. Although many people view boba tea as a trendy drink, this study treats it as a meaningful part of some students’ daily lives, identity formation, and sense of belonging. Through a multi-method approach that includes participant observation, surveys, and semi-structured interviews, I examine what motivates college students to purchase boba tea and how boba shops impact their identity and sense of belonging. I conducted fieldwork at three different boba tea shops in Greater Orlando—two franchises and one locally owned, selected for their popularity among college students and their unique atmospheres. The study includes perspectives from a diverse group of participants who regularly visit these shops, highlighting how students engage with boba tea as more than just a beverage. Many participants described these spaces as places to relax study, hang out with friends, and connect with their cultural backgrounds or explore new ones. This research draws on theories of identity, belonging, social dynamics, and culture to understand the broader impact of boba culture on college student life. Findings show that boba tea shops serve as inclusive spaces where students negotiate identity, build relationships, and feel a sense of community and connection. By focusing on the everyday ways students use and experience these shops, the study contributes to discussions in food anthropology, youth culture, and informal learning environments in higher education. Ultimately, it reveals how something as simple as a drink can create opportunities for connection, cultural exchange, and belonging.

Completion Date

2025

Semester

Fall

Committee Chair

Matejowsky, Ty

Degree

Master of Science (M.S.)

College

College of Sciences

Department

Anthropology

Format

PDF

Identifier

DP0029733

Document Type

Thesis

Campus Location

Orlando (Main) Campus

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