Buffer or Exacerbator? Explore the Effect of Intercultural Learning on Global Competence Disparities

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session Saturday 5:10 pm Four Seasons Ballroom 2-3
  In Roundtable Session: Inclusive Education With Global Perspectives (Table 1)

Abstract

The discussions about the impact of schools in promoting equity have been extensive; however, limited attention has been given to whether schools can mitigate or exacerbate disparities in global competence. This study aims to investigate the moderating role of school intercultural learning in the relationship between family socioeconomic status (SES) and global competence among adolescent students. Drawing on a sample of 213,121 students from 29 economies, our findings reveal that participation in school intercultural learning activities, as well as attending schools with a greater emphasis on intercultural learning, can buffer the negative effect of low family SES on global competence. Conversely, within-school intercultural learning activities may exacerbate the existing global competence gap attributable to school SES.

Authors

• Qinhui Huang, Beijing Normal University

• Alan C. K. Cheung, The Chinese University of Hong Kong

• Jiang Yuxiao, The Chinese University of Hong Kong

• Jie Xu, Chinese University of Hong Kong