Investigation of Social Integration and Acculturation Status of Turkish and Syrian Secondary School Students

Authors : Kevser Arslan, Meryem Hayır Kanat, Asli Görgülü Arı

Pages : 110-124

View : 39 | Download : 36

Publication Date : 2025-08-05

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :Individuals undertake forced or voluntary migration movements for various reasons and goals. Turkey, which is frequently exposed to migration waves due to its geographical location, has been hosting millions of Syrian nationals from different age groups since 2011. School-age children are among the groups most affected by the migration process. Since 2016, migrant children and youth have been included in the compulsory education system together with Turkish students. Although compulsory education is an important step towards integration, it is not sufficient on its own. There is a need to solve the problems of marginalisation, language barriers and school adaptation of migrant students. It is of great importance in this process that students interact with each other, speak the common language, integrate into society and provide environments where they can cooperate. In this respect, this study aims to examine the social integration and acculturation levels of Turkish and immigrant secondary school students. The research was carried out using a relational survey design based on quantitative methods. The study group consisted of 23 sixth and seventh grade students, 12 Turkish and 11 Syrian, studying in Istanbul. The data were collected by using the ‘Social Integration Scale’ and the ‘Ethnic Acculturation Scale’ by face-to-face application in the classroom environment. The data obtained were analysed through SPSS statistical software; it was determined that the data set was normally distributed and t-test for independent groups was applied. In addition, descriptive statistics such as mean scores and standard deviation values were calculated. As a result of the study, it was determined that there was a significant difference between the ethnic acculturation scores of Turkish and Syrian immigrant students, but there was no significant difference between their social integration scores. The social integration and ethnic acculturation levels of Turkish and Syrian immigrant students were found to be at a medium level. In line with the findings, suggestions were developed to support the integration processes of Turkish and Syrian students.
Keywords : Türk, Göçmen, Toplumsal Entegrasyon, Etnik Kültürlenme, Ortaokul

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