Young people’s attitudes to multculturalism and acceptance of plurality of ideas

Abstract

The paper examines the possibility of a more efficient and effective education for a democratic, multicultural society from the perspective of psychological findings concerning personal democratic and antidemocratic predispositions. The starting premise of the research is a that there is a significant connection between the attitude to multiculturalism and acceptance of plurality of ideas. The research aimed to provide an answer to the question whether openness to other cultures is connected with a readiness to accept plurality of ideas. The research was carried out on a suitable sample (N=306) of multicultural groups of grammar school and secondary vocational school students in Subotica in 2005. The results point to a significant positive connection between attitudes to other cultures and acceptance of plurality of ideas (r=.43; p< .01). The school type also affects the degree of acceptance of plurality of ideas. The author concludes that the findings offer support for an integrative approach to education for democracy, while practice in accepting plurality of ideas through different subjects represents a necessary condition for the acceptance of democratic behavior and thinking. This is how the education for democracy can be made more efficient and effective and integration of young people into democratic and multicultural society facilitated. .