Social Exclusion among Students The Role of Ethnicity, Classroom Ethnic Heterogeneity and Self-Esteem

Abstract

In this article we explore the relation of ethnicity, classroom ethnic heterogeneity and self-esteem on social exclusion among students in the Netherlands. We build upon the social misfit theory of Wright, Giammarino & Parad (1986) and the power imbalance theory investigated by, among others, Agirdag, Demanet, Van Houtte & Van Avermaet (2011) and Graham (2006). Additionally, we hypothesize that higher levels self-esteem may serve as a defensive mechanism which can prevent students from being victimized (Sharp, 1996). A linear probability model is used with the Dutch data of CILS4EU wave 1 (2010/2011). No significant results were found for the social misfit or the power imbalance theories. Results do, however, show that self-esteem is negatively related to victimization, indicating that higher levels self-esteem do lower victimization rates significantly.