Is intergroup contact alone enough to cultivate inclusive attitudes toward immigrants? Global citizenship education as a complementary tool

Abstract

The surge in international migrants offers students contact with immigrants. However, this does not necessarily cultivate inclusive attitudes toward immigrants (IATI), often due to a lack of relevant learning experiences. This research examines the interaction between intergroup contact and global citizenship education (GCE) in shaping IATI. Utilizing PISA 2018 across 61 countries with two-level and country-fixed effects models, it reveals that intergroup contact alone has a limited impact on IATI. A positive relationship emerges when combined with three GCE activities. This study advances our knowledge of intergroup contact theory and highlights the complementary role of GCE in fostering global citizens.