State of Multiculturalism Among Undergraduate University Students in Ethiopia

Multiculturalism ensures that all citizens can keep their identities, can take pride in their ancestry and have sense of belongingness. Acceptance of others cultural identity gives a feeling of security and self-confidence making them open to and accept diverse cultures (Berry, 2001). Multiculturalism is expected to have positive effects on ethnic group identification and intergroup relations. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to assess the state of multiculturalism among undergraduate university students in Ethiopia. To achieve the objective of the study cross sectional research design was employed. A total of 771 participants (484 males and 287 females) were sampled from four government universities. The combinations of multistage cluster sampling, stratified simple random sampling, simple random sampling and purposive sampling procedures were employed to select the sample participants. The Amharic and English versions of the questionnaire which includes a scenario (a case) and 10 questions portray the notions of multiculturalism and related concerns of the university students were presented. The collected data were analyzed using frequency percentage and Chi-square. The findings of the study indicate that there is a healthy relationship and tolerance, acceptance of diversity and intercultural sensitivity among the majority of target group university students. Finally, implications and recommendations were forwarded. Keywords: Multiculturalism, interethnic conflict, university students. DOI: 10.7176/JCSD/59-02 Publication date:May 31st 202

Intercultural Sensitivity Among Undergraduate University Students in Ethiopia

Nowadays with the globalization of economy, increasing social mobility, rapid development of technology and the emergence of cultural diversity, intercultural human contact at both individual and organizational levels become increasing. The wide-ranged expansion of human contacts on the one hand and the cultural diversity on the other hand calls for people’s sensitivity to cultural diversity. The purpose of this study was to investigate the status intercultural sensitivity and related factors among university students in Ethiopia. To attain the objective of the study cross sectional research design was employed. A total of 771 participants (484 males and 287 females) were sampled from four government universities. The adapted measuring scale was Intercultural Sensitivity Scale (Chen & Starosta, 2000). The combinations of multistage cluster sampling, stratified simple random sampling, simple random sampling and purposive sampling procedures were employed to select the sample participants. The data were analyzed using Descriptive Statistical Measures (Mean, SD, Quartile & Percentile Scores), Frequency percentage, Chi-square, independent-t test and one-way ANOVA. The findings of the study revealed that the target group university students were labelled at higher level of intercultural sensitivity status. Furthermore, the findings revealed significant mean difference on intercultural sensitivity due to sex, place grown up and different batches of university students. However, there was no significant difference on intercultural sensitivity score between mono and mixed ethnic background participants. Finally, implications and recommendations were forwarded. Keywords: Intercultural Sensitivity, Cultural Diversity, Status, University Students DOI: 10.7176/RHSS/10-13-04 Publication date:July 31st 202

Ethnic Identity Status Among University Students in Ethiopia

Ethnic identity is conceptualized as that part of a person’s self-knowledge defined by membership in, and emotional connection to an ethnic group, together with beliefs and emotions related to membership. The development of a strong ethnic identity has also been proven as a basis for positive attitudes toward other groups (Phinney & Devich-Navarro, 1997). Hence, the aim of this study was to examine the status ethnic identity among university students in Ethiopia in light of Phinney’s ethnic identity model. To attain the purpose of the study cross sectional survey research design was employed. A total of 771 participants (484 males and 287 females) were sampled from four government universities in Ethiopia. The adapted measuring scale was the Multigroup Ethnic Identity Measure (Phinney, 1992). The combinations of multistage cluster sampling, stratified simple random sampling, simple random sampling and purposive sampling procedures were employed to select the sample participants. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistical measures (mean, SD, quartile & percentile scores), frequency percentage and chi-square. The findings of the study uncovered that the target group university students in Ethiopia were labelled at ethnic identity search or exploration status. In the ethnic identity search or exploration stage, people begin to learn more about their culture of origin by actively participating in cultural activities and talking to family or friends about issues related to ethnicity (Phinney, 1993). Hence, peers, parents, counseling psychologists, elders, university staffs and management and other concerned bodies should encourage and help to construct their ethnic identity to the achieved status. Keywords: Ethnicity, Identity, Ethnic Identity, University Students DOI: 10.7176/JPCR/49-02 Publication date:June 30th 202

Status of Ethnocentrism Among Public University Students in Ethiopia

Ethnocentrism does not accept cultural diversity, and is a general intolerance to out-groups and a relative preference for one’s in-group over most out-groups. The literature suggests that ethnocentrism has the potential to lead to stereotypical prejudices and negative behaviours against out-groups or other ethnic group members (Donald & Cindy, 2010). The purpose of this study was to investigate the status ethnocentrism and related factors among university students in Ethiopia. To achieve the objective of the study a cross-sectional research design was employed. A total of 771 participants (484 males and 287 females) were sampled from four government universities. The adapted measuring scale was Neuliep and McCroskey’s (1997) and Neulip’s (2002) Generalized Ethnocentrism Scale (GES). The combinations of multistage cluster sampling, stratified simple random sampling, simple random sampling and purposive sampling procedures were employed to select the sample participants. The data were analyzed using Descriptive Statistical Measures (Mean, SD, Quartile & Percentile Scores), Frequency percentage, Chi-square, independent-t test and one-way ANOVA. The findings of the study depicted that the target group university students were labelled at lower level of ethnocentrism status. Furthermore, the findings indicated significant mean differences on ethnocentrism due to sex, place grown up and different batches of university students. However, there was no significant difference on ethnocentrism score between mono and mixed ethnic background of the participants. Finally, implications and recommendations were forwarded.Keywords: Ethnocentrism, Status, University StudentsDOI: 10.7176/RHSS/10-13-03Publication date:July 31st 202