Abstract
The purpose of this study was to explore intergroup bias among students in Addis Ababa University Main Campus. Data were collected through unobtrusive measures. Graffiti ascribed by students in toilet rooms, library “tension box” desks, reading tables, building walls and books were collected, categorized into themes and narrated qualitatively. Religion based bias was reflected through the graffiti. The bias often targeted Orthodox Christianity and protestant religious sects. The clash also seems between these religious sects. In addition, political based intergroup bias appeared between supporters and opponents of Ethiopian People Revolutionary Democrat Front, the current ruling party. Some words and phrases unfairly degrade Ethiopian People Revolutionary Democrat Front while others also unfairly promote this party. Most importantly, the findings revealed strained relations among different ethnic groups. The graffiti mainly depicted biased favors and degradation toward Amhara, Oromo and Tigrie ethnic groups. Ethnic based bias was prominently reflected as compared to political and religion based biases. Key words: Intergroup bias, university students, graffiti.
Highlights
Ethiopians are heterogeneous in terms of ethnicity, language, socio-cultural and economic aspects
Because universities are like “mini” Ethiopia in which students came from almost all parts of the country to attend their education
In Ethiopia, the number of higher institutions has increased from time to time
Summary
Ethiopians are heterogeneous in terms of ethnicity, language, socio-cultural and economic aspects. Because universities are like “mini” Ethiopia in which students came from almost all parts of the country to attend their education. One can find almost all ethnic groups when he or she visits one of the universities in Ethiopia. In Ethiopia, the number of higher institutions has increased from time to time. The number of students attending higher learning has been increased. All higher learning institutions are supposed to be a center of excellence academic, research and community services.
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