Can we Live Together? Discrimination in the Context of Education in Turkey: A Mixed-Methods Research

Purpose: This study aims to evaluate the views of teachers, foreign and Turkish students, and their parents regarding students' common experiences and future expectations in schools in Turkey. Method: Using mixed-methods research in line with this aim, qualitative data were collected in 2019 from 26 students from different school types in Istanbul's Pendik District and their parents; qualitative data were collected from 535 teachers using the Attitudes Toward Foreigners Scale and a semi-structured in-depth interview form. Findings: The findings obtained from the interviews in the research's qualitative phase were analyzed under four thematic headings: (1) View Toward Foreigners, (2) Prejudices, (3) Future Plans and Expectations, and (4) Concerns. The evaluations show Turkish students' and parents' negative views toward foreigners. The research's quantitative phase found teachers to generally have similar negative attitudes toward foreigners. Implications for Research and Practice: All these data show the need to provide appropriate conditions for contact through competent authorities by bringing Turkish and foreign students together in equal status, especially in schools, to reduce prejudice and discrimination. (C) 2021 Ani Publishing Ltd. All rights reserved