Introduction

Discrimination has been around for a very long time. Many individuals, if not all of them,
know what it's like to be discriminated against. Whether it's a teacher, a student a manager
at work, a friend, several people saw and felt the effects of discrimination.The effects of
discrimination range from low self-esteem to risk of serious emotional problems, which can
lead to physical problems.It is important to be aware of what discrimination really is, and the
damaging effects it causes so that it can be prevented and people suffering from it can get
help.

The consequences can be more serious when it comes to ethnic discrimination as people
are treated according to who they are, the way they were made, which is something they can
not change.Social complexes can be developed as well as deeply embedded issues of self-
esteem which are not safe for someone who lives the student lifestyle.Being a student means
that you have to meet many different requirements and deadlines; a student is constantly
under pressure to do well, which in turn causes stress. If a student has to deal with all of this
as well as be discriminated against, the combination can easily cause a break or something
like that.For all these reasons the causes and effects of discrimination need to be unveiled so
that students can be helped.

Purpose

The goal of this study is to understand the population status within Cagayan Valley
and Cause and Effect of ethnic discrimination on students of Cagayan National High School so
that they may receive help in the future so as to recover and cope.

Significance of Study

This study will reveal very important information for students, teachers, parents, and
counselors of the Cagayan National High School about how to deal with discrimination and to
reduce ethnic discrimination on campus. An insight into the lives of students will be gained
and how they deal with discrimination. It is very important for teachers, parents, and
counselors to be aware of the campus life that students have so that they can better
communicate and understand then on a more personal level. This study will not only help to
prevent discrimination but also help students to recover from the harmful effects.

Research Questions

The research questions for this study are:

1. Why do students discriminate?

2. Why do teachers discriminate?
3. Why do staff members discriminate?
4. How does ethnic discrimination affect academic performance?
5. How does ethnic discrimination affect the social behavior and well-being of students?

6. What can we do to reduce ethnic discrimination?

 Background

Literature Review

Discrimination has been around in society since the dawn of time and will most likely
never be completely eradicated. However, all of society can work together to understand it
and therefore lessen the causes and effects of discrimination because discrimination, in
particular ethnic discrimination, can have many harmful effects. Therefore it must be
understood why people discriminate and in particular, why people at the Cagayan National
High School discriminate against other ethnicities. By this understanding, it can be seen how
it affects academic performance, the social behavior, and psychological well-being of the
students at the Cagayan National High School . Thus different methods can be discovered
and created to reduce ethnic discrimination. By reducing ethnic discrimination, the effects of
ethnic discrimination can be reduced.

According to Eitzen (1985), in the book In Conflict and Order: Understanding Society,
three theories have been used to explain why some people have been singled out for
discrimination: the deficiency theory, the bias theory and the structural discrimination theory
(Eitzen, 1985, p. 320). The theory that concerns Belize and therefore the Cagayan National
High School , when it comes to discrimination among ethnic groups, is the bias theory. It
blames the members of the majority; in particular the minorities blame the prejudiced
attitudes of majority members. Prejudiced attitudes are the cause of discriminatory actions. A
researcher, Gunnar Myrdal said that inferior status of minorities reinforces negative
stereotypes that in turn justify the prejudice of the majority. The process is a vicious cycle
that perpetuates the secondary status from generation to generation (Eitzen, 1985, p. 324).
Thus it is the educated person’s responsibility to understand that all races are to be treated
the same.

Many causes exist when it comes to ethnic discrimination in society. It is reasonable

to assume that these causes also affect ethnic discrimination at the Cagayan National High
School. Katherine Mendez (2002) states that this discrimination which is passed down
through generations goes all the way back to colonialism and slavery. Back in those times,
the slave masters stereotyped certain ethnic groups as bad and someone who a person
should not be associated with (qtd. in Premdas). This stereotyping is passed on to the
younger generations by seemingly harmless jokes, which is “one mechanism through which
this stereotype is taught to new generations” (Inciardi & Rothman, 1990, p. 274). According
to the Ralph Premdas (2002), migration is another key cause in ethnic discrimination; no
ethnic group wants to give up their right for the land.

The minority groups are usually discriminated against because their characteristics
“are salient: they are visible, though not necessarily physical, but they make a difference”
(Eitzen, 1985, p. 310). Thus it is logical that when the majority group looks for a target for
ethnic discrimination, they would target the minorities. It is human nature that certain ethnic
groups will target other ethnic groups with discrimination, because ethnic discrimination has
been passed down from generation to generation.

Definition of Terms

Ethnicity

According to Nigel O. Bolland (2003, p. 199), “Ethnicity, like race, class, and gender,
is a social construction, a set of ideas or ideology about people’s identities and relations. It is
an aspect of culture that is created, challenged, and redefined by people even while it
constrains them”. In this paper ethnic groups can also be referred to as cultures.

Discrimination

Discrimination is the actions resulting out of prejudice, which take away the fair
access to rights, privileges, and opportunities from minority groups in a society (Inciardi &
Rothman, 1990, p. 275).
Ethnic discrimination

Ethnic discrimination is therefore, the loss of certain rights, privileges, and

opportunities from ethnic groups based on their ethnicity, and caused by the dominant ethnic
group.

Stereotype

To stereotype is to put individuals or groups into categories based on distorted ideas or

beliefs (Microsoft Encarta, 2008)

Methodology

Purpose and Research Questions or Null Hypotheses

This research will determine factors and effects among university students as they
relate to ethnic discrimination at the Cagayan National High School discriminate. This
research is important so that we can understand the causes and learn to alleviate the
negative effects ethnic discrimination creates on the Cagayan National High School Senior
High School discriminate students’ academic performance, social behaviour, and psychological
well-being. The research questions guiding this study are:

1) Why do students discriminate?

2) Why do teachers discriminate?
3) Why do staff members discriminate?
4) How does ethnic discrimination affect academic performance?
5) How does ethnic discrimination affect the social behavior and well-being of
students?
6) What can we do to reduce ethnic discrimination?

Population and Sampling

The population for this study is defined as all students of the University of Belize. We
drew out a sampling size of 50 students from different strands of senior high school to be
representative of the population. From the numerous sampling methods available, the non-
probability procedure known as the accidental or convenience sampling procedure was used
to select our sample from the population. This is a sample population selected because it is
readily available and convenient. This sampling method involves the sample being drawn
from that part of the population which is close to hand. In other words, the sample being
drawn for this research was the students who were readily available to the researcher. In
other words the researchers chose participants who were there at that given time and place
in the campus when he/she wanted to do the research.

Instrumentation

This project will utilize both quantitative and qualitative data collection tools, but is
rooted in a qualitative epistemological position that recognizes the importance of locating the
research within a particular social, cultural, and historical context. It also takes seriously the
social construction of these contexts and the identities participants construct within them.

Data collection will consist of surveys. Initially, a survey instrument to measure

determinant factors and effects in students regarding ethnic discrimination in the school
community will be administered to a spectrum of participants . This survey instrument used is
defined to be questionnaires which were first developed and distributed to our sample for
them to be filled out. The questionnaire consisted of a combination of structured and
unstructured questions. A copy of the actual questionnaire used to measure determinant
factors and effects in students regarding ethnic discrimination in the school community is
found in the appendix of this research project. The results from this research project shall
become an asset to the established body of literature on racial discrimination.
Validity and Reliability

Our group research was based on cause and effect of ethnic discrimination on
students at the CNHS; we decided to make a survey to gather useful information for our
research. The reliability and validity of the information gathered is very important for the
research. There are no statistical tests for validity. Validity of our research was based on the
opinion of all the group members. We all gave opinions on what were the best questions to
ask, and we made sure that the questions being asked were being prepared to measure what
it supposes to measure. We test the reliability of the information by putting different
questions that were intended to measure the same construct. The same questionnaires were
given to fifty different people that were chosen randomly at the Cagayan National High
School.

Content validity

Our questions were based on opinion from the group members but we also made
some literature search to make sure that the questions were the adequate ones to give us
the right information about our topic.

Assumptions

Our assumptions about the survey were that the persons, who we gave out the
questionnaires to, were going to be honest in answering the questions. The survey was
designed to get information about discrimination so we assume that we were going to get the
correct information we needed. We also assumed that the instrument was going to have
reliability and validity.

Scope and Limitations

We encountered limitations while doing our research because the students were
selected without giving all the students of the Cagayan National High School an equal chance
for being selected. Also some of the students that were asked to participate in the research
were too busy or were not interested, so we had to go around getting students that had the
time to answer the questionnaires. The research was limited to a certain time span. The
school has a big population with different ethnicities and because the sample was chosen
without giving everyone an equal chance of being selected, not all the ethnicities were given
a questionnaire. Lastly not all people answered all the questions on the questionnaire, so the
data from the questionnaires is not completely accurate.
 Description of Sample

Figure 1

Total Population of Ethnic Groups In

CNHS

Malaweg
12% Itawis
26%
Ibanag
Agta
28%
4% Ibatan
2% 2%
Yapayao
26% Others

As illustrated in the pie chart in figure 1 above, the largest ethnic group that
participated in the survey were the Itawis’s who consist of twenty eight per cent (28%) of the
sample population. The second largest ethnic group is the Ibanag ethnic group which consist
of twenty-six (26%) per cent of the sample population.

Figure 2

30

20
00
54%
46%

As observed in the bar graph of figure 2, most students (54%) think discrimination
exists at the Cagayan National High School.
 Figure 3

Source of Discrimination
OTHER
24%

TEACHERS
0% STUDENTS

STUDENTS TEACHERS
76% STAFF
STAFF
0% OTHER

Figure 3 on the pie chart above points out that students have a higher percentage (76%) of
discriminating other ethnic groups; followed by the others which has a percentage of twenty
four (24%).

Figure 4

Based on the chart on figure 4, the cultures that discriminates the most are the Others
and the Itawes.
 Figure 1

As illustrated in the chart in figure 5 above, the Aeta (46%) and Malaweg’s (18%) are
discriminated against the most by others.

1) Why do students discriminate?

Figure 2

The pie chart in figure 6 demonstrates that a percentage of forty (40%) students
think students discriminate because of ignorance.
2) Why do teachers discriminate?

Figure 3

According to the pie chart in figure 7, thirty four per cent (34%)of students think

teachers discriminate because they believe they are superior to others.

3) Why do staff members discriminate

Figure 4

The bar chart in figure 8 illustrates that a percentage of thirty two (32%) students think
staff members discriminate because of ignorance.
4) How does ethnic discrimination affect academic performance?

Figure 5

According to the pie chart in figure 9, a percentage of fifty four (54%) students think
that ethnic discrimination affects their academic performance.

Figure 6

Based on the pie chart on figure 10 above, it illustrates that fifty four per cent (54%) of
students believe that ethnic discrimination causes them to receive lower grades in class.
5) How does ethnic discrimination affect the social behavior and well-being of
students?

Figure 7

Sixty Six per cent (66%) of students state that ethnic discrimination affects both
social behaviour and psychological well-being of the students.

Figure 8

The chart in figure 12 illustrates that a percentage of sixty six (66%) of students
think that ethnic discrimination causes negative effects on them.
Conclusions and Recommendations

Summary

As previously stated fifty questionnaires were passed out and answered by the
individuals who received them. The results from these questionnaires were tabulated and
graphed. Then the graphs were analysed so that results could be drawn from that data.

It was shown from the answers received from the questionnaires that ethnic
discrimination does exist at the Cagayan National High School. The questionnaires also stated
that ethnic discrimination comes mainly from students. Based on the survey, most students
thought that students and teachers discriminate one another because they have a ignorance
&mentality of superiority. However, students thought that the staff members discriminate
because of ignorance. According to the survey, most students thought that discrimination
affect students’ academic performance as well as their social behaviour and psychological
well-being.

Discussion

Based on our findings, we came to the conclusion that discrimination does exist at
the CNHS. It has been shown that discrimination comes mostly from student and not from
lecturers, staff and other persons. The survey shows that students discriminate against other
ethnic groups more than the teachers/lecturers or staff members.

Most students discriminate one another because they have a mentality that some
ethnic groups are superior to others. Students thought that the staff members and teachers
discriminate because of ignorance. Figure 7 stated thirty four per cent (34%)of students
think teachers discriminate because they believe they are superior to others. and 19%
because of belief of superiority while staff members discriminate students because of
ignorance. Jealousy is also a factor why people discriminate. One ethnic group may have
greater achievements than the other; or one group may be more dominant than others. The
minority groups become jealous of the majority group, because the majority group might
have more opportunities and a greater control over a certain segment of society. Another
major cause of discrimination is the way people were raised. Some people grow up thinking
that it is right to treat other ethnic groups in a certain derogatory way.

According to Figure 4 the culture that discriminates the most are the Itawes and
Ibanag’s because they make up the majority of the population of Cagayan National High
School. We also found out that the cultures that are discriminated the most are the Agta’s
and other Ethnic Groups . The students answered that discrimination does affect their
performance in school and affects their social behaviour and their psychological well-being. A
greater percentage of students said that ethnic discrimination affected their social behaviour
and psychological well-being, because ethnic discrimination will cause more disturbances in a
person’s psychological self. Ethnic discrimination was found to lower grades and cause
negative effects to a person’s psychological self. Our findings support the existing theory that
discrimination exists at the Cagayan National High School because 54% of students said that
ethnic discrimination existed while the remainder said that ethnic discrimination does not
exist at the Cagayan National High School .

Recommendations

Every student attending the Cagayan National High School should be happy to see that
ethnic discrimination is no prevalent at all times. Living in a multi-racial/ethnic country, we all
need to look at the situation in CNHS and learn to appreciate one another and be happy that
living together is possible. However, no one should ignore the fact that ethnic discrimination
exists among the students, teachers/lecturers, and staff members. If everyone is aware of
this, everyone could work together to reduce unconscious and masked ethnic discrimination.
Some ways to reduce ethnic discrimination are by educating people about the ethnic groups
and having cultural activities.
 Parents should teach their children from a young age that everyone has the same rights
no matter what culture they are. This includes teaching children that people should not be
treated with reference to their culture. Children should also be taught about the diverse
cultures of Ethnic Groups and how to appreciate them because every culture makes up a very
important part of our society. People should also be educated about discrimination and
prejudice and how to reduce it. The Cagayan National High School can also help to reduce
ethnic discrimination by establishing rules about the equality of ethnic groups and cultures.

To reduce ethnic discrimination we must participate in more group/social activities at

school, work, home or wherever you are. Ethnic discrimination can also be reduced having
more cultural activities. CNHS should do a cultural activity for all the different cultures to
participate. Every ethnic group should have their own holiday. This awareness of ethnic
groups can take the way of educational programs such as multiculturalism and activities such
as culture day.
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Cox, H., Larkin, L., & Bryan, J. (1984). Study Guide to Accompany Federico-Schwartz: Third
Edition Sociology. Reading, Massachusetts: Addison-Wesly Publishing Company.
Eitzen, D. S. (1985). In Conflict and Order: Understanding Society(3rd ed.). Newton,
Massachusetts: Allyn and Bacon, Inc.

Inciardi, J. A., & Rothman, R. A. (1990). Sociology and its Applications. Chicago: Harcourt
Brace Jovanovich Publishers.

Law Revision Commissioner. (2000, December 31). University of Belize Act: Chapter 37.
Substantive Laws of Belize, pp. 6-7.
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