Research article | Open Access
International Journal of Excellent Leadership 2025, Vol. 5(1) 48-60
7th Grade Students' Perceptions of the Concept of Forced Migration
pp. 48 - 60
Publish Date: June 30, 2025 | Single/Total View: 5/7 | Single/Total Download: 6/16
Abstract
The main purpose of this study is to examine in depth the perceptions of 7th grade middle school students regarding the concept of forced migration, the meanings they attribute to this phenomenon, and their attitudes toward the migration process. In particular, how children make sense of the migration experience, their levels of empathy, and their perspectives on social integration constitute the main focus of the study. The research employed a phenomenological design, one of the qualitative research methods. The study group consists of 7th grade students from Mehmet Akif Ersoy Middle School in the Efeler district of Aydın. Data were collected through a semi-structured interview form and analyzed using the content analysis method. The findings reveal that students primarily perceive forced migration as an “involuntary” and “compulsory” form of mobility. War, economic difficulties, and natural disasters emerged as the most prominent causes of forced migration. The majority of students described forced migration as a traumatic experience accompanied by an intense emotional burden, including anxiety, fear, and sadness. In the post-migration process, the greatest challenges were identified as social adaptation, language barriers, and economic difficulties. In school life, it was found that academic achievement declined particularly in the initial periods and that problems such as peer bullying were experienced. The study also revealed that students have a high level of empathy and solidarity toward individuals experiencing forced migration; however, this perception is occasionally shaped by media coverage. Based on the results, it is recommended to establish psychosocial support units to facilitate migrant students’ adaptation to school, to provide teachers with intercultural sensitivity training, and to include greater emphasis on the humanitarian dimensions of migration in the curriculum.
Keywords: Forced Migration, Middle School Students, Social Studies, Perception of Forced
APA 7th edition
Akkaya, M., & Toy, S. (2025). 7th Grade Students' Perceptions of the Concept of Forced Migration. International Journal of Excellent Leadership, 5(1), 48-60.
Harvard
Akkaya, M. and Toy, S. (2025). 7th Grade Students' Perceptions of the Concept of Forced Migration. International Journal of Excellent Leadership, 5(1), pp. 48-60.
Chicago 16th edition
Akkaya, Mustafa and Selim Toy (2025). "7th Grade Students' Perceptions of the Concept of Forced Migration". International Journal of Excellent Leadership 5 (1):48-60.
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