Children's Voices: Studies of interethnic conflict and violence in European schools

Book excerpt: How are the processes of increasing ethnic and racial diversity reflected in European schools? How do children and educators experience and perceive interethnic relations in schools? This book examines the issues of interethnic coexistence, the management of ethnic diversity, xenophobic and racial attitudes and, in particular, the under-researched topic of interethnic violence among children in the school environment. Drawing together qualitative and quantitative data across five European countries it offers an insight into the views, personal experiences and responses of children from different ethnic backgrounds to interethnic violence in European schools. International contributors from England, Slovenia, Cyprus, Italy and Austria come together to provide a comparative study of experiences of interethnic conflict and violence in primary and secondary school classrooms. Each chapter focuses on positive measures that can combat discrimination, providing examples of good practice as well as considering the position of the school in promoting citizenship in an increasingly global world. By examining the experiences and perspectives of children, educators and experts, the book provides up-to-date research findings in the field and suggests key mechanisms for addressing interethnic violence in schools. With support, schools can play a key role in alleviating interethnic tensions and combatting ethnocentrism through the implementation of strong policies, acting as ‘protected spaces’. Children’s Voices: Studies of interethnic conflict and violence in European schools is of international relevance both within Europe, and beyond, and will appeal to researchers, teachers and policy makers concerned with race equality in the classroom.