Is intergroup contact alone enough to cultivate inclusive attitudes toward immigrants? Global citizenship education as a complementary tool

The surge in international migrants offers students contact with immigrants. However, this does not necessarily cultivate inclusive attitudes toward immigrants (IATI), often due to a lack of relevant learning experiences. This research examines the interaction between intergroup contact and global citizenship education (GCE) in shaping IATI. Utilizing PISA 2018 across 61 countries with two-level and country-fixed effects models, it reveals that intergroup contact alone has a limited impact on IATI. A positive relationship emerges when combined with three GCE activities. This study advances our knowledge of intergroup contact theory and highlights the complementary role of GCE in fostering global citizens.

Automated summary

The surge in international migrants provides students with the opportunity to interact with immigrants, but this does not necessarily lead to inclusive attitudes towards immigrants. This study reveals that intergroup contact alone has a limited impact on attitudes towards immigrants, and a positive relationship emerges when combined with certain global citizenship education activities. This research enhances our understanding of intergroup contact theory and highlights the complementary role of global citizenship education in fostering global citizens.