Rebello, Rachel; (2024) 'I can't believe it still happens in modern day society' Exploring young people's experiences and attitudes towards racism. Doctoral thesis (D.Ed.Psy), UCL (University College London).

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Abstract

This research explored the experiences of racism and the attitudes of young people (YP) in Summer borough, specifically experiences where they had witnessed racism or directly experienced racism in school. It aims to build awareness and attention to a topic that is relatively under-researched in psychology. Whilst other research tends to describe statistics and trends around exclusion, workforce, and attainment etc, this study is unique in being able to gain the perspective of YP and explore racism in secondary schools which is a highly sensitive subject for schools and local authorities to engage with. This study adopted a multi-method approach in which 50 YP took part in an online survey which explored their definition of racism and their experience of racism. This was followed by a focus group with nine YP who had completed the survey and opted to take part in the focus group, this delved into more detail on what the impact of racism is, what the schools were doing and what YP felt their school could change. This research has highlighted the complex nature of racism in schools. It has demonstrated how the different types of racism have been woven into the educational system and how YP experience racism e.g. overtly as well as covertly. It has given us an insight as to how schools have successfully implemented practices to challenge racism such as pupil empowerment through educational opportunities and creating a cohesive community, as well as easy to implement recommendations that can be shared with schools such as diversifying the curriculum and more representation in staff. Based on the present study’s findings, there are several implications for Educational Psychologists and other professionals in education such as monitoring exclusion patterns, working with schools to develop their policies and reflecting on assessment and consultation. It is hoped that the findings of this study will be used to further illuminate YP’s experience and knowledge around racism and bring about an increased understanding of diversity, equality, and inclusion in educational settings along with the promotion of best practice in schools.

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