How Students View Social Groups? Gender, Social Class, Academic Achievement, Weight, and Disability Stereotypes in Schools

Güleryüz O., KILCAN B.

Child Indicators Research, 2025 (SSCI, Scopus) identifier identifier

  • Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
  • Basım Tarihi: 2025
  • Doi Numarası: 10.1007/s12187-025-10307-w
  • Dergi Adı: Child Indicators Research
  • Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI), Scopus, IBZ Online, Psycinfo
  • Anahtar Kelimeler: Intergroup relations, Prejudice, School, Social studies, Stereotype
  • Gazi Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet

Özet

Identifying stereotypes among students is an important step in preventing stigmatization and discrimination in schools. In this context, the current study reveals the stereotypes of eighth-grade students (aged 14) regarding gender, social class, academic achievement, weight, and disability. The study involved 300 students from two public schools in the Çankaya and Mamak districts of Ankara, Türkiye’s capital, which differ in terms of socioeconomic status and academic achievement, as well as seven social studies teachers working at these schools. Data were collected from students using an open-ended questionnaire and teachers using a semi-structured interview method. The results of the current research show that middle school students may hold negative stereotypes towards both advantaged (boys, rich, successful, and thin) and disadvantaged (girls, poor, unsuccessful, overweight, and people with disabilities) groups. Overall, the results emphasize the need for educational policies and school practices that prioritize reducing stereotypes.