SAMPLE:
3 SECONDARY SCHOOLS
DATA:
METHOD:
SURVEY ANALYSIS, GROUP COMPARISONS, CORRELATIONS
ROLE:
SOLE RESEARCHER
Inclusion in School Communities
context.
Cultural diversity in schools has grown rapidly, yet students' lived experiences do not always reflect institutions' inclusive intentions. Even when diversity is explicitly valued, minority and majority students can experience the same school climate in markedly different ways. Examining belonging, discrimination, and identity conflict offers a clearer picture of how inclusion is actually felt and where gaps remain between stated values and everyday realities.
approach.
I analyzed belonging, well-being, perceived discrimination, diversity climate perceptions, identity conflict, and indicators of intercultural competence. Using group comparisons and correlation analysis, I synthesized these into a leadership report that surfaced climate gaps and insightfully translated psychological data into immediate and long-term actions for principals and teachers.
findings.
Students were generally open-minded and curious, but scored lower in emotional stability.
Belonging was higher at home than at school, especially for minority youth.
Majority and minority students perceived the school's climate differently.
Even subtle discrimination was associated with lower well-being and greater identity conflict.
Minority students navigated more complex identity pressures.
impact.
This project mirrors what often happens in the adult world: organizations may champion diversity publicly while employees experience inclusion very differently in their daily interactions. The findings highlight how gaps between stated values and lived experience can leave minoritized individuals feeling less supported in the same environment. Addressing subtle forms of bias and strengthening intercultural competence — at both individual and system levels — are critical for creating safer, more inclusive cultures where people across backgrounds can thrive.
quote.
It’s not always easy — sometimes our cultures collide, and even simple communication becomes hard.
Student Participant
Reflecting on navigating multiple cultural identities
