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The objective of this project is to explore ethnic development of adolescents in Serbia, with a particular focus on identifying potential differences in the way students from culturally dominant and minority backgrounds use narrating to construe and make sense of their ethnic identity. Additionally, the research seeks to investigate the influence of school and wider social contexts on the development of ethnic identities and wellbeing of adolescents across different backgrounds, genders, and age groups. To gain a comprehensive perspective on the relationship between school cultural climate and adolescent ethnic development, we invite and honor the perspectives of multiple stakeholders: students, parents, teachers, and school officials. Through identifying examples of effective educational practices, this project aims to provide guidelines for educational specialists and policy makers to implement culturally relevant education.
The project is expected to have a positive impact on the wellbeing of all educational actors. Moreover, it aims to improve the school climate and inter-group relations, which in turn, are expected to lead to lower dropout rates, higher quality and equity in education, lower rates of brain-drain, and better employability prospects for all. By achieving these outcomes, the project seeks to contribute to the overall social and economic development of the local communities.
In achieving project goals, a multilevel mixed-method study and dissemination activities will be conducted. The first research phase will involve administering questionnaires to 3600 participants, including students aged 15-18 years old, parents, and school staff from four regions in Serbia in order to explore how school practices and social context influence students ethnic identity. In the second phase, 300 students will write narratives on their ethnic identity using vignettes specifically designed for this study. The findings of the research will be presented in open-access papers in scientific journals, a national monograph, policy briefs, a press conference, a final conference, and six local events aimed at raising awareness.