“We and Them”: An Examination of Ethnic Discrimination and Ethnic Representations in a Selected Nigerian Private University
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Date
2021-07
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
AIPGG Journal of Humanities and Peace Studies
Abstract
The present study using a mixed method research approach seeks
to explore the experience of tribalism and ideas held about their
own and other ethnic groups among a cohort of young adults in
Nigeria. It specifically examined the frequency of experiences of
ethnic based discrimination using the General Ethnic
Discrimination Scale. It also examined ideas held about own and
other ethnic groups and sources of information about other ethnic
groups. The sample consisted of 140 undergraduate students in the
Redeemer’s University, Ede, Nigeria. The three major ethnic groups
were represented in the sample (Yoruba, 47.8%; Igbos, 29.2%;
Hausa, 14.2%). Majority of the participants experienced ethnic
based discrimination mostly in informal settings and reported
multiple sources of the ideas they hold about their own and other
ethnic groups. Two salient themes emerged from an analysis of
responses patterns about ideas of own and other ethnic groups:
defensive self-reports and responses centered on conduct and
behaviour. Data from the study emphasizes the interplay of factors
that may contribute to the formation of and experience of tribalismand reveal that most young adults have formed ideas about their
own and other ethnic groups mostly from their peer group. It is
envisaged that the findings from this study will be useful in
structuring policies geared towards building a sustainable peaceful
Nigerian state.
Description
Keywords
Ethnicity, National integration, Young adults, Tribalism
Citation
Mopa-Egbunu, A., Olibamoyo, N., & Ofomata, O. O. (2021). “we and them”: An examination of ethnic discrimination and ethnic representations in a selected Nigerian private Universities.