Ethnic Identity, Intercultural Sensitivity And Ethnocentrism Among University Students: The Case Of Madda Walabu University In Robe

Abstract

The study examines the status of ethnic identity, intercultural sensitivity and ethnocentrism, and how it contributes to reducing ethnocentrism among students of higher education institutions in Madda Walabu University. It was carried out using survey data from 346 randomly sampled young adults at Madda Walabu University. Questionnaires adapted from existing literatures were employed as data collection tools. The adapted measuring scales were the Multi group Ethnic Identity Measure, the Intercultural Sensitivity Scale, Generalized Ethnocentrism Scale. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistical methods. Overall, respondents reported moderate degrees to their ethnic identity and high levels of intercultural sensitivity and lower levels of ethnocentric status. In addition, the findings indicated significant mean differences ethnic identity scores due to sex, age and stay in university (batches). Similarly, results obtained reveal that there was a significant mean differences in ethnocentrism scores among males and females; different age levels and different batches of university students. It was also found out that, there was a statistically significant positive correlation between Ethnic identity and ethnocentrism score but not with intercultural sensitivity scores. Furthermore, regression analysis indicated that ethnic identity and intercultural sensitivity were found to be significant predictors of ethnocentrism. The results suggest that promoting intercultural sensitivity is a possible measure to overcome ethnocentrism and reduce conflicts among intergroup interactions. Limitations and suggestions for future research are provided