TY - JOUR
T1 - Can perceptions of similarity reduce the ability to see the other's needs? The case of immigrant students' integration policy
AU - Shpaizman, Ilana
AU - Kogut, Tehila
PY - 2010
Y1 - 2010
N2 - In this age of wide migration waves all over the world, when schools' populations become more diverse, educators often make policies regarding groups of immigrant students (from the same origin) with unique needs. Perceptions of homogeneity of the group, as well as perceptions of similarity between the decision maker and the group members are likely to have a major influence on these policies. Although research has shown that perceptions of great similarity between the decision maker and a target group enhance empathy and promote decisions in favor of the group; results of the current research, examining immigrant students' integration policy in schools, suggest that inaccurate high similarity perceptions (on a relevant domain) might decrease the ability to understand the targets' diverse needs and may lead to decisions that do not serve the group, or the decision maker's goals. Two studies were conducted to examine the effect of perceived homogeneity and similarity on immigrant integration policy in schools. In the first study, lay people recommended fewer programs for immigrants students when those where judged to be more similar to themselves and more homogenous. Similar results were obtained in the second study, examining school principals' reports of existing programs for immigrant students in their schools. Implications on policy making are discussed.
AB - In this age of wide migration waves all over the world, when schools' populations become more diverse, educators often make policies regarding groups of immigrant students (from the same origin) with unique needs. Perceptions of homogeneity of the group, as well as perceptions of similarity between the decision maker and the group members are likely to have a major influence on these policies. Although research has shown that perceptions of great similarity between the decision maker and a target group enhance empathy and promote decisions in favor of the group; results of the current research, examining immigrant students' integration policy in schools, suggest that inaccurate high similarity perceptions (on a relevant domain) might decrease the ability to understand the targets' diverse needs and may lead to decisions that do not serve the group, or the decision maker's goals. Two studies were conducted to examine the effect of perceived homogeneity and similarity on immigrant integration policy in schools. In the first study, lay people recommended fewer programs for immigrants students when those where judged to be more similar to themselves and more homogenous. Similar results were obtained in the second study, examining school principals' reports of existing programs for immigrant students in their schools. Implications on policy making are discussed.
KW - Decision making
KW - Educational policy
KW - Immigrant students
KW - Integration policy
KW - Perceived similarity
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=77956269749&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1007/s11218-009-9112-4
DO - 10.1007/s11218-009-9112-4
M3 - ???researchoutput.researchoutputtypes.contributiontojournal.article???
AN - SCOPUS:77956269749
SN - 1381-2890
VL - 13
SP - 425
EP - 440
JO - Social Psychology of Education
JF - Social Psychology of Education
IS - 3
ER -