Exploring preservice teachers’ social domination orientation and prejudice toward Syrian refugees: the mediation of empathy

Abstract

With the global increase in refugees, understanding and improving the educational experiences of refugees has received more attention in academic research. This study aims to investigate the perspective of preservice teachers (PSTs) towards Syrian refugees, who are one of the largest groups of refugees in Turkey. The study explores the relationship between PSTs’ empathy, their social dominance orientation (SDO), and prejudice against Syrian refugees. The aim is to understand how PSTs’ perspectives on refugees can help prevent discrimination in education and develop targeted interventions and educational strategies. The study analyzed data from 726 PSTs using structural equation modelling. The findings show that there is a positive correlation between SDO and prejudice, and empathy partially mediates this relationship. Moreover, socioeconomic status and ethnicity significantly predict prejudice against refugees. The results are discussed in relation to the understanding of the bases and relations of prejudice, SDO, and empathy. The study suggests some practical implications for those working with PSTs and policymakers. © The Author(s) 2024.