Intercultural sensitivity in secondary school students

This study explores intercultural sensitivity as a key dimension of intercultural literacies that support equitable and inclusive educational environments. Conducted in Imbabura Province (Ecuador), the research examines how intercultural sensitivity varies among secondary school students according to four sociodemographic variables: gender, area of residence (urban/rural), educational level, and ethnic self-identification. The 2023 edition of the Intercultural Sensitivity Scale (ISS), developed by Chen and Starosta, was administered to a sample of 2,667 students from 13 public institutions. The ISS captures five core dimensions: intercultural engagement, respect for cultural differences, confidence in interaction, enjoyment of interaction, and attentiveness in interaction.