Science Journal of Sociology and Anthropology
February 2012, Volume 2012 (2012), ISSN: 2276-6359
© Author(s) 2012. This work is distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 License.
Research Article
Social Distance and Ethnic Boundary Among Pupils in Multiethnic and Monoethnic School Environment in Malaysia
Yasmin Ahmad, Najeemah Mohd Yusof
School of Educational Studies Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Accepted 21 January 2012; Available Online March,2012
Abstract:
This article discusses the social distance among pupils in multiethnic and monoethnic school environment. Social distance is a sense of social segregation or actual separation that exists between pupils of different ethnic group. Social distance that exists will cause ethnic boundary among pupils and social interaction seldom occur. Whether multiethnic or monoethnic school environment affect social distance among the pupils was also discussed in detail in this article. The study was conducted in 12 primary schools in Penang. The sample for this study consisted of 600 primary school pupils. Pupils are required to answer the questionnaire provided and the findings were analyzed quantitatively. Indian pupils from the National Primary Tamil Type Schools (SJKT) showed a narrow social distance than Malay and Chinese pupils either from multiethnic or monoethnic school environment.
Keyword:Social Distance, Ethnic Boundary, Multi Ethnic School, Mono Ethnic School, Ethnic Relation.