engleski

High School Students` Intercultural Predispozitions: an Empirical Research

The objective of this research is the empirical analysis and evaluation of intercultural predispositions of the secondary school population in the Republic of Croatia.Data were collected utilizing the questionnaire method. The independent variables represent the selected socio- demographic indicators, whereas the dependent variables represent the selected democratic values and acceptance of national, ethnic and religious groups in Croatia. The sample, numbering 2715 examinees, consisted of pupils in all secondary grades in 26 schools.The analysis of the results indicates that the examinnes have positive attitudes toward the proposed values, in general. Among the socio- demographic indicators, the variables pertaining to the educational status are the ones which, in higher degree, distinguish the examinees. Namely, those attending the "gymnasium" type of school, those attending excellent marks, and those with aspirations for futher schooling, express more positive attitudes toward democratic values. Regarding social distance towards national and ethnic groups 2 factors - social distance (unacceptance) and social closeness (acceptance)were extracted.The examination of social distance towards different religious groups produced one dichotomous factor - the exclusion from Croatia refers to Protestants and Orthodox, friendship is acceptable with Jews and Moslems, and marriage with atheists. This results suggest the need for introduction of new contents into the educational system.They would raise the level of information avaliable to all students and would enable them to acquire the necessary knowledge for funcioning in democratic society.

intercultural predispositions, democratic values, social distance

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