The positive effects of ethnic diversity in classrooms on pupils' academic performance in a multi-ethnic metropolis

• Published in: Sociologie (Amsterdam) Vol. 9; no. 1; pp. 3 - 29
• Main Authors: Braster, Sjaak, Dronkers, Jaap
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: Dutch
• Published: 01.06.2013
• Subjects: Academic Achievement; Cities; Cultural Pluralism; Educational Attainment; Intergroup Relations; Racial Differences; Rotterdam, Netherlands; Schools; Students
• ISSN: 1574-3314

The analysis of international data shows that ethnic diversity in secondary schools results in negative effects with respect to educational performance of pupils (Dronkers, 2010). In this article we use data about 905 pupils, 41 classes and 11 schools in the city of Rotterdam to confirm the hypothesis that -- in the context of a multi-ethnic big city -- ethnic diversity in classrooms can also have positive effects on educational performance. This conclusion coincides with the prediction of Putman (2007) that in the long run ethnic diversity in cities will no longer trigger a reaction of hunkering down that leads to a decrease in trust and social capital of both in-group and out-groups. For youngsters growing up in the multi-ethnic big city of Rotterdam, who consider ethnic diversity as a something "normal", and who bridge their ethnic differences by sharing a common street culture and language, this prediction has become reality. This results in a positive effect of ethnic diversity in classrooms on the educational achievements of pupils. Adapted from the source document.