DIVERSIDAD CULTURAL Y CIUDADANÍA. HACIA UNA EDUCACIÓN SUPERIOR INCLUSIVA/(CULTURAL DIVERSITY AND CITIZENSHIP. TOWARD AN INCLUSIVE HIGHER EDUCATION)

This article seeks to analyze the impact immigration has on society as a major element of cultural diversity with widespread repercussions on democratic citizenship. It also looks at the role higher education plays as a facilitator of social inclusion. The research is subsidized and uses a descripti...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Educación XX1 2013-01, Vol.16 (1), p.85-104
Main Authors: Serrano, Gloria Pérez, Capdevila, Ma Luisa Sarrate
Format: Article
Language:eng ; spa
Subjects:
Academic Accommodations (Disabilities)
Citizenship
College Students
Cultural Pluralism
Democracy
Higher education
Immigrant students
Immigration
Interviews
Multiculturalism & pluralism
Semi Structured Interviews
University students
Young Adults
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Summary:This article seeks to analyze the impact immigration has on society as a major element of cultural diversity with widespread repercussions on democratic citizenship. It also looks at the role higher education plays as a facilitator of social inclusion. The research is subsidized and uses a descriptive, correlational, prescriptive methodology combining the qualitative and quantitative methodologies. A sample representing the university population is selected, encompassing immigrants and natives alike. The instruments used are questionnaires and scales that meet the reliability and validity requirements. Semi-structured interviews and discussion groups are also employed. SPSS and ATLAS-TI are used. The main results are an identification of the traits defining the immigrant university student profile and the elements both favouring and hampering immigrant university students' social and educational inclusion. Moreover, it is found that democratic attitudes and values are firmly rooted in young people. Young people defend equal rights, while they reject xenophobic attitudes and radical movements. They value the democratic system of government, although they critice how institutions operate. They prefer citizens who discharge their civil obligations without getting involved. All these dimensions support the conclusion that today's youth is moving from a harmonious view to a more sceptical one. The university, as a centre for expression and the development of knowledge, is an institution that students look on favourably. They feel that it facilitates cultural, social and occupational growth while strengthening an inclusive education. Action proposals have been drawn up to favour an educational process that respects and promotes cultural diversity and favours inclusion. [PUBLICATION ABSTRACT]
ISSN:1139-613X
2174-5374
DOI:10.5944/educXXI.16.1.718