The Young and the Stateless: Kurdish Youth in Canada

• In Event: 32.083 - Roundtable Session 12
  In Roundtable Session: 32.083-10 - Social Contexts Research in International Education Settings

Abstract

This study explores the educational participations, social interactions, and well-being of youth of Kurdish origin in Canada. My methodology is a critical qualitative approach. Twenty young people, aged 15-30, were involved in this research. The findings of this study indicate that racism, social and educational inequalities, and the assimilative identity politics of the nation-states affect youths’ educational and social experiences negatively. Taken together, the findings suggest that recognition and acceptance of Kurdish youths’ ethnic identities, their historical background, and linguistic affiliations would lead to more inclusive school cultures.

Author

• Dilek Kayaalp, University of North Florida