How Does the Aim of Social Studies Course to Train Effective Citizens Shape the Citizenship Perception of Syrian Asylum-Seekers? A Study on Middle School Students

Abstract

This study aims to examine the role of social studies course in shaping the citizenship perceptions of Syrian asylum-seeker students under temporary protection in Türkiye. Within the scope of the research, the impact of the social studies courses on Syrian students, especially those in disadvantaged groups, was examined. The research was conducted with qualitative research method and phenomenology design was used. Data were collected from the participants with a semi-structured interview form and these data were analyzed by content analysis. The study group consisted of 40 Syrian asylum-seeker students. The findings of the study show that Syrian students see the social studies course as an important tool in terms of adapting to the society, recognizing their rights and becoming effective citizens; they gain awareness about the functioning of the society, the structure of the state, individual rights and responsibilities, and feel themselves as a part of the Turkish society through the course. The results of the research show that the social studies course undertakes an inclusive and transformative function not only for Turkish citizen students but also for asylum-seeking students. In this respect, it is emphasized that social studies education should be evaluated as a tool to support social.

Keywords: Syrian asylum-seeker, Citizenship Education, Social Studies