Civic Participation and Other Interventions That Promote Children\u2019s Tolerance of Migrants

In this chapter, we begin by providing a definition of \u2018tolerance\u2019, illustrating the wide range of attributes associated with the concept in the literature. Second, we identify some key paths through which tolerance can develop at different stages of an individual\u2019s development. Through a literature review, we will track some of the factors that can increase tolerance toward migrants during early and late stages development. Finally, we will conclude by presenting an overview of methodological approaches that practitioners have at their disposal to promote tolerance toward migrants

Civic Participation and Other Interventions That Promote Children’s Tolerance of Migrants

Tolerance toward migrants currently represents a key issue in many Western democracies and studying the factors that can foster it has become increasingly more important for the social sciences. This chapter starts by providing a definition of \u2018tolerance\u2019, illustrating the ambivalent qualities that are attributed to this concept in the literature. Recognizing some limits of this concept, our reasoning develops from the assumption that, with specific reference to migration, tolerance represents a basic democratic principle. It can be defined as the belief, based on equalitarian principles and a political conviction, that migrants and non-migrants should be treated equally. We proceed to report the findings from two recent studies we conducted in Italy and illustrate some key paths through which tolerance can develop during different developmental stages. The results from our studies showed that younger participants had lower levels of tolerance toward refugees and migrants. Different forms of politically committed youth participation (online and offline, more and less conventional) were positively associated with tolerance; in particular, civic participation represents a \u2018school for democracy\u2019 in which young people learn a range of civic skills also enhanced tolerance toward migrants. Finally, we present an overview of some of the main approaches (global citizenship education, education to intercultural dialogue and community-based approaches) that professionals across the world have at their disposal to promote a tolerant attitude at different stages of the developmental process. The chapter closes by illustrating some implications for future research and interventions to promote tolerance toward migrants