Intergroup bias among Addis Ababa University students

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to explore intergroup bias among students in Addis Ababa University Main Campus. Data were collected through unobtrusive measures. Graffiti ascribed by students in toilet rooms, library “tension box” desks, reading tables, bu ilding walls and books were collected, categorized into themes and narrated qualitatively. Religion based bias was reflected through the graffiti. The bias often targeted Orthodox Christianity and protestant religious sects. The clash also seems between these religious sects. In addition, political based intergroup bias appeared between supporters and opponents of Ethiopian People Revolutionary Democrat Front, the current ruling party. Some words and phrases unfairly degrade Ethiopian People Revolutionary Democrat Front while others also unfairly promote this party. Most importantly, the findings revealed strained relations among different ethnic groups. The graffiti mainly depicted biased favors and degradation toward Amhara, Oromo and Tigrie ethnic groups. Ethnic based bias was prominently reflected as compared to political and religion based biases