School Segregation vs. Desegregation in Romania. Case Study

Abstract

School desegregation can be identified as an educational objective for all. The problems of school segregation relate to aspects regarding student discrimination based on various criteria: the low socioeconomic status of the family of origin, belonging to a certain ethnic group, the criterion of disability or special educational needs. The present research aims to identify good practices carried out in schools in order to combat segregation. In this regard we formulated the following objectives: the analysis of the degree of impact of anti-segregationist educational practices with regard to students (Specific objective 1); measuring the degree of effectiveness of the anti-segregationist activities implemented in the school (Specific objective 2). The units of analysis are a sample of students from schools in urban and rural areas, and a sample of their teachers. The study has made use of an intentional, structured sample, with two variables (residence of the family of origin, ethnic membership), made up of 325 students, and their teachers. The following working hypothesis has been considered: if teachers are interested in anti-segregationist education in these schools, then no discriminatory behaviors will be identified. In conclusion, the problem of segregation in the European space remains a problem, especially as we are witnessing, within such a space, cross-border migration processes involving people of different ethnicities and cultures. This aspect, in particular, attracts the attention of schools which should produce models of education carried out in a context of desegregation, and keeping the principle of equal opportunities for all in the form of social desegregation.