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Current Research in Psychology and Behavioral Science
[ ISSN : 2833-0986 ]


Ethnic Discrimination among Nigerians: The Predictory Roles of Perceived Ethno-Cultural Empathy and Ethnocentrism

Research Article
Volume 4 - Issue 1 | Article DOI : 10.54026/CRPBS/1081


Bamikole Emmanuel Agesin* and Ibironke Opeyemi Segun-Martins

Department of Pure and Applied Psychology, Adekunle Ajasin University, Nigeria

Corresponding Authors

Bamikole Emmanuel Agesin, Department of Pure and Applied Psychology, Adekunle Ajasin University, AkungbaAkoko, Nigeria

Keywords

Perceived ethno-cultural empathy, Ethnocentrism, Ethnic discrimination, Ethno-psychology, Nigeria

Received : December 16, 2022
Published : January 11, 2023

Abstract

This study investigated the extent to which Perceived ethno-cultural empathy and ethnocentrism predict ethnic discrimination among Nigerians. This study adopted a cross-sectional survey design. Participants comprised 412 people (male=220; female=192). They were selected from three states in Nigeria namely Ondo (youruba ethnic group), Abia (Igbo ethnic group) and Taraba (Hausa ethnic group), using accidental sampling technique. Their ethnic group classifications (33.9%) were Yoruba’s, (33.8%) were Igbo’s, and (32.3%) were Hausa’s. They responded to ethnocentrism scale, scale of ethno-cultural empathy, perceived ethnic discrimination questionnaire. The study hypothesis was tested with a multiple regression analysis. Results revealed that perceived ethno-cultural empathy significantly predict ethnic discrimination such that high level of ethno-cultural empathy decreases ethnic discrimination (β=-0.12, t(412)=-0.2.59, p<0.05). Ethnocentrism significantly predict ethnic discrimination such that high level of ethnocentrism increases ethnic discrimination (β=-0.40, t (412)=8.69, p<.01). This study showed that ethno-cultural empathy was negatively related to ethnic discriminations. Ethnocentrism was positively related to ethnic discriminations. Therefore in order to reduce ethnic discrimination, the researcher suggest that direct public education initiatives that help prevent and contribute to the eradication of incitement to discrimination, hostility, and violence in the society should be encouraged and promoted. National program such as NYSC should be recalibrated and sustained. Knowledge of other people’s ethnic beliefs should be promoted within the society to increase understanding, tolerance and respect and to ensure that their belief and ethnic differences does not become a source of division, tensions and violence.