ACCESS AND BARRIERS TO EDUCATION:  ATTITUDES AND PERCEPTIONS OF ETHNIC MINORITIES LIVING IN GEORGIA Cover Image

ACCESS AND BARRIERS TO EDUCATION: ATTITUDES AND PERCEPTIONS OF ETHNIC MINORITIES LIVING IN GEORGIA
ACCESS AND BARRIERS TO EDUCATION: ATTITUDES AND PERCEPTIONS OF ETHNIC MINORITIES LIVING IN GEORGIA

Author(s): Anastasia Kitiashvili, Tamar Abashidze, Irine Zhvania
Subject(s): Education, Ethnic Minorities Studies, Sociology of Education
Published by: Scientia Socialis, UAB
Keywords: access to education; barriers to education; ethnic minorities;

Summary/Abstract: The aim of this research is to analyse the attitudes and perceptions by Georgian Azeri and Armenian ethnic minorities about the accessibility and barriers to acquire an education. The research includes three types of education: general, vocational education and training (VET), and higher education. The survey was carried out with 800 participants of both ethnic minorities in two regions of Georgia, Samtskhe-Javakheti and Kvemo Kartli . In-depth interviews were carried out with four experts working in the field of education for ethnic minorities. Respondents believe that they have more equal access to general education and VET while local Georgians have better access to higher education than ethnic minorities do. Attitudes of Ethnic Minorities correspond to their limited participation in Higher Education. The respondents identified poor knowledge of Georgian language (state language of Georgia) as the most significant barrier that excludes them from educational opportunities. This research provides evidence and a basis for formulating education policies for the Azeri and Armenian ethnic minorities living in Georgia.

  • Issue Year: 72/2016
  • Issue No: 1
  • Page Range: 53-64
  • Page Count: 12
  • Language: English