Enhancing intercultural interactions in primary schools: An ecosystemic School Social Work intervention with Roma and non-Roma students
Published:
Dec 23, 2025
Keywords:
Intercultural Interactions School Social Work Intercultural Communication Ecosystemic Approach Roma Sociometric Test
Abstract
This study examines the impact of a multi-level, ecosystemic intervention program designed to enhance intercultural relationships and reduce social distance between Roma and non-Roma students in a Greek primary school classroom. Based on School Social Work (SSW) principles and ecosystemic approach, the intervention program simultaneously engaged students, teachers, and parents through experiential learning, professional development, and family collaboration. Using a quantitative single-case pretest–follow-up design, data were collected through a sociometric test that mapped and analysed students’ cooperative relationships before and after the intervention. Pre-intervention results revealed strong ethnic and gender-based clustering, limited inter-ethnic interaction, and particularly weak ties between Roma and non-Roma students. Following the thirty-four hours intervention, the overall mean relationship score increased and strong inter-ethnic ties rose. The analysis of relationships showed, also, stronger connectivity and the development of inter-group ties, indicating greater classroom cohesion. The findings confirm that structured, ecosystemic interventions implemented through SSW can foster intercultural communication, empathy, and collaboration in diverse classrooms in Greece. However, the persistence of group clustering underscores the need for long-term and repeating application of such programs, ideally beginning earlier in primary education, to achieve sustainable intercultural education in schools.
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Mitropoulou, F., Farmakopoulou , I., Mentis , E., & Nikolaou , G. (2025). Enhancing intercultural interactions in primary schools: An ecosystemic School Social Work intervention with Roma and non-Roma students. Social Work. Review of Social Sciences, 39(3), 33–49. https://doi.org/10.12681/socialwork-rss.43126
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