Perceptions of otherness among Syrian refugee and Turkish children in an intercultural context

This study aims to explore perceptions of otherness among primary school children, focusing on 4th-grade students in the southern region of Türkiye. The study group consists of 48 Turkish and Syrian students selected through criterion sampling, a purposive sampling method. Employing a qualitative research approach, this study utilized a case study design, specifically the embedded single-case design. A semi-structured interview form developed by the researchers served as the primary data collection tool. Turkish and Syrian children’s perceptions of otherness were examined through concepts of foreigner, differences, and similarities. Findings indicate that students generally associate differences with physical characteristics, while factors such as play, success, talent, sympathy, and friendship also shape perceptions of otherness. Notably, Turkish children’s perceptions of the other were generally negative, whereas Syrian children under temporary protection tended to view the other more positively.