Anti-discrimination education in Poland. Analysis of its effectiveness and proposed changes

Abstract

Thesis. Anti-discrimination education in Poland is focused on the informational form, which leads to its failure. There is an alternative to the current state of affairs.

Discussed concepts. The results of research expanding and supporting the hypothesis of contact are discussed (Allport, 1954), and the hypothesis of ignorance is also criticized (Stephan, 1978).

Results and conclusions. Focussing anti-discrimination education on forms based on the transfer of knowledge makes it insufficiently effective. Education based on contact, while meeting certain psychological conditions, may lead to the reduction of prejudice to a greater extent than currently undertaken activities.

Cognitive value of the approach. This is the first analysis in Poland undertaking criticism of the current state of anti-discrimination education, and at the same time proposing an alternative solution that could find practical application and achieve the desired goal of reducing the level of prejudice in Polish society.