Can Intercultural Education in Europe Promote Diverse Cultural Identities for Migrant Students as Well as Improve Critical Social Justice?

Created on 22nd June 2022

Conference: The Asian Undergraduate Research Symposium (AURS9)
Title: Can Intercultural Education in Europe Promote Diverse Cultural Identities for Migrant Students as Well as Improve Critical Social Justice?
Stream: Education, Sustainability & Society: Social Justice, Development & Political Movements
Presentation Type: Virtual Poster Presentation
Authors:
Shuying Sun, University of Durham, United Kingdom

Abstract:

In the context of globalization and migration flows, intercultural education concerning cultural diversity, educational equality, and social justice are of great significance. However, there are still some obstacles for migrant students to integrate, and whether the current intercultural education could benefit migrant children and promote equality is questioned. With references to the educational policy and practice for migrant children in various European host countries, this poster presents different intercultural education approaches for migrant children, discussing potential opportunities and limitations. The policy analysis identifies that the education provided by some European countries is a multicultural approach, and it may fail to challenge social injustice and essentialize migrant children. Yet intercultural education in Europe still has the potential to promote diverse cultural identities and improve critical social justice. Findings suggest that the intercultural approach, notably its critical social justice perspective and decolonial perspective might make up for the limitations of the current intercultural education in Europe and improve the intercultural education.