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Educational Policy Responses to Support Roma Students
113-121Views:105This study examines Hungarian educational policy measures implemented between 2015 and 2025 to improve the academic success of Roma students. Education is viewed not only as a means of knowledge transmission but as a key driver of social mobility and equality. Roma students face complex challenges rooted in social disadvantage, cultural differences, and systemic issues such as segregation and institutional discrimination. The paper provides an overview of major interventions, including compulsory early childhood education, the Complex Instruction Programme (CIP), community-based tanoda initiatives, the Útravaló Scholarship Programme, and Roma Special Colleges. While these programmes have yielded positive local outcomes—such as improved cooperation, reduced dropout rates, and enhanced access to higher education—their long-term impact is limited by underfunding, project-based approaches, and lack of systemic integration. The study adopts a critical perspective, highlighting the need for sustainable strategies, teacher training in inclusive pedagogy, community involvement, and comprehensive monitoring systems. Recommendations include strengthening teacher education, promoting integrated social support, and ensuring Roma participation in decision-making. The findings underscore that only systemic, long-term measures can effectively reduce educational inequalities and foster genuine social inclusion for Roma communities.
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SURVEY OF THE SOCIAL COMPETENCES ABOUT THE DISADVANTAGED PRESCHOOL CHILDREN IN THE COUNTIES BORSOD-ABAÚJ-ZEMPLÉN, HAJDÚ-BIHAR AND SZABOLCS-SZATMÁR-BEREG
51-63Views:334Between 2017 and 2020, we participated in a national project led by the Education Office, called „Support for social inclusion and integration measures in public education” (EFOP-3.1.3-16-2016-00001), which we simply called "Kindergarten for Opportunities". The aim of the project was mainly to help kindergartens educate and develop disadvantaged and multiply disadvantaged Roma and Gypsy children. An important phase of the work was the survey, in which a specific assessment of skills was carried out with the active participation of the institutions, adapted to life in the kindergarten and based on the observations of the kindergarten teachers. In the present study, we focus on an important aspect of the survey, the study of social competencies. Results were obtained in three categories (self-images, social relations, and emotional-willing qualities), in five dimensions per category, from the kindergartens participating in the project in the three selected counties. In the total survey, the kindergartens provided information on a total of 1112 children, of which the number of responses received in the three counties analyzed by us was as follows: 259 in Borsod-Abaúj-Zemplén county, 178 in Hajdú-Bihar county and 271 in Szabolcs-Szatmár-Bereg county. So kindergarten teachers' statements regarding n=708 children were analyzed in this study. No significant difference can be observed in the results: only in a few cases did we experience a negative deviation in social competences in Borsod-Abaúj-Zemplén county.
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The Relationship between ADHD and Juvenile Delinquency, with a Special Focus on the Psychological Correlates. Systematic Literature Analysis
67-84Views:226Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is characterised as a neurodevelopmental disorder marked by impulsivity, hyperactivity, and inattention, frequently seen in young offenders (Silva et al., 2014). The development of delinquent behaviours is significantly influenced by ADHD traits, which arise from adverse childhood experiences, comorbid conditions, and socio-environmental factors (Rutten et al., 2022; Wojciechowski, 2021). This paper explores the relationship between ADHD and juvenile delinquency, emphasizing behavioural, psychological, and social aspects. Methods: A systematic literature review was performed in accordance with PRISMA guidelines, utilizing EBSCO Discovery Service, Science Direct, PubMed, and the snowball method. We analysed studies (n=21) including juvenile offenders diagnosed with ADHD and comparisons with non-offenders or controls without ADHD who met the specified inclusion criteria. The methodological quality of the studies was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute's assessment tools. Results: In the reviewed studies, symptoms of ADHD—especially impulsivity and emotional dysregulation—along with conduct disorder, substance abuse, and depression were shown to worsen these behaviours. Additionally, sociodemographic elements like low educational achievement and an adverse family environment played a role in contributing to offending. The findings indicate that ADHD serves as a significant risk factor for juvenile delinquency, interacting in complex ways with behavioural and social influences. The studies highlight the importance of early diagnosis, tailored treatment, and comprehensive rehabilitation programs within the juvenile justice system to mitigate long-term risks and encourage social inclusion.
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ATTITUDES TOWARDS THE SPORT OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES, I. E.: IS THE SPORT IMPORTANT IN THE LIVES OF PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES?
19-34Views:854The equal opportunities approach of the second half of the 20th century emphasizes the social inclusion of disadvantaged groups, including persons with disabilities. Education and employment play a key role in achieving integration. Nevertheless, other fields such as leisure time and sporting activities also contribute positively to the social involvement of persons with disabilities. At present nearly 7,000 persons with disabilities are registered in Hungary who pursue sports competitively, of whom approximately 5,000 persons with intellectual disabilities (Regényi et.al, 2017). The study discloses the partial results of a research aimed at revealing the awareness of the Hungarian population regarding the sport of people with disabilities. As such research has never been carried out in Hungary before, it can fill in a niche. The results of our exploratory research may be the starting point for further investigations. The importance of the topic is given by the fact that thanks to the sport the focus is on the outstanding performance of the social group concerned rather than on their limitations and deficiencies, which therefore reinforces the positive and accepting attitude of citizens. Previous research findings have highlighted that the nature of disability-related knowledge influences the way the members of society think about persons with disabilities, i.e. when it is possible to provide information and gain experience focusing on the existing abilities and strengths of the above -mentioned group, attitudes become more positive as well. The findings of the research reveal that respondents consider it important to pursue sport within an integrated framework, at the same time they feel it is justified to do segregated sports with a view to persons with disabilities. Based on the results we can state that the media coverage of achievements in sports competitions of persons with disabilities is perceived as low level, but apparently it is not considered to be a key area in the lives of persons with disabilities.
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Assessing the Situation, Needs and Requirements of Children, Young People and Their Families Living in the Kistelek Sub-Region. „Follow- up Survey of Families with Children”
51-67Views:181Poverty research in Hungary has more than a decade of experience. The issue of poverty and child poverty is one of the most prominent challenges of domestic social policy, and it is hoped that by addressing it correctly and providing appropriate services, it will be possible to reduce the recurrence of poverty. Since accession to the European Union, particular attention has been paid to specific areas of social inclusion, such as disadvantaged areas, the problem of districts to be developed and the specificities arising from social differences. One response to these territorial disparities and the resulting social challenges has been to launch services to compensate for disadvantages. In this study, we present the results of the Kistelek district municipalities of the Child Poverty Programme, with some highlighted aspects. It is also considered significant because it was a replication of an earlier survey in 2012, with data from several districts - Baktalórántházai, Bátonyterenie, Hegyháti, Hevesi, Kistelek and Szécsényi.
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INTERPRETATION OF THE MOST IMPORTANT NOTIONS OF SOCIAL INEQUALITIES OVERT IN THE EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM
83-87Views:372Present paper focuses on the social inequalities that are mainly manifested in the educational system. Therefore, I aim at reflecting on the sociological definitions that codify the subject in a theoretical context. The theoretical background of the study comprises the subsequent notions: equality and equity, inclusive society and education, bicultural socialization, and the relation between social mobility and school.
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DEVELOPMENT OF THE SOCIAL COMPETENCE OF CHILDREN FROM AN UNDERPRIVILEGED BACKGROUND
87-94Views:434In September 2010, by the introduction of the educational reform in Serbia, namely the introduction of inclusion, the number of children from disadvantaged backgrounds and multiple disadvantaged backgrounds has significantly increased. From September 2013, the University of Novi Sad, Faculty of Education in Hungarian Language, Subotica and University of Szeged, Gyula Juhász Faculty of Education, Institute of Adult Education worked out a program, in which the students of these two Universities participated as mentors in the compensatory education of disadvantaged children. The purpose of the present study is to introduce the structure of the Student Mentoring Program that serves as an excellent example for other schools. According to in-service teachers, one of the long-term positive outcomes of the mentoring program is the development of the social competencies of disadvantaged children.
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Perceptions of University Students on the Role of Roma Student Societies in Higher Education
97-114Views:217As a result of the expansion of higher education, the student population is becoming more diversified, with students who are the first in their families and communities to undertake a university degree. Minorities defined as Roma have been an integral part of Europe since the Middle Ages, but their educational attainment lags behind the general population, and they are still under-represented in higher education. The study analyses the perceptions of mostly Roma students who are on the path of social mobility in their formal education and the non-formal community (Roma student societies) that provides targeted support for their academic progress. The study involved the members of the network of Roma student societies in Hungarian universities in questionnaire format research (N=300, n=182). In this study, the implicit ideas of the participants about the university and the Roma student societies are inquired into, exploring the similarities and differences in the function of the two institutions, and analysing the role of the Roma student society in social mobility. The data were processed using a qualitative analysis strategy, thematic coding. The results shed light on the functions of the university, which is a formal space, and the Roma student society, which is a non-formal socialization space. The university was associated with formal learning and socialisation, while the Roma student society was associated with experiential, action-oriented, non-formal space. The respondents perceived the university, but especially the student society, as a positive experience. Our study reveals the perceptions of the pedagogical programme of the Roma student societies. The Roma student society is compared to the relationships experienced in a family; the Roma student society is seen as a continuum of the sense of security provided by the family. Through the responses of Roma students, this study highlights that non-formal small communities in universities are effective means for the successful advancement of underrepresented groups in higher education, which supports a positive experience of their mobility.
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THE ROLE OF ADVENTURE THERAPY AND ART THERAPY ELEMENTS IN FACILITATING ENCOUNTERS WITH SEVERE AND MULTIPLE DISABILITIES INDIVIDUALS
105-112Views:520The first encounter with people with severe and multiple disabilities could be highly challenging. Physical deformities of the body and face which are highly frequent in this group, lead to subconscious rejection. The lack of verbal communication makes the relationship even more difficult, thus, nonverbal methods are effective in facilitating relationship building. Methods such as nonverbal art therapies are highly popular in creating mutually empowering relationships. Common shared active and receptive artistic experiences as well as commonly solved challenges and other elements of adventure therapy helps to facilitate group processes. In this article, we refer to a pilot project: a special experience-based facultative course about facilitating encounters with adults with severe disabilities with art and adventure-based activities.
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THE SITUATION OF INTEGRATION-SEGREGATION IN THE LIGHT OF A RESEARCH
19-31Views:1270Integration has been an international trend over the last two or three decades, the impact of which is increasingly evident in Hungary. EU resolutions emphasize social inclusion (UNESCO 1995, Europe 1998), ie advocating that children with special educational needs should not be unfairly discriminated against and excluded from society (UNESCO 1995). Integrated education in public education is a means of creating opportunities (Mesterházi, 2002). In the integrated and segregated institution we present the results of a questionnaire survey of nursing teachers (n = 86) on the issue of integration, we were curious about how receptive the experts were. that a significant proportion of teachers in mainstream schools agree partly with integrated education on the basis of the responses given. Both their teachers and the special educators do not consider it appropriate, enough to implement integrated education.
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STUDENT’S ATTITUDES TOWARDS CHILDREN WITH DISABILITY
7-15Views:941Several studies have shown that integrated education has advantages in students’ social development and accepted attitude development (Meyer, Park, Grenot-Scheyer, Schwartz & Harry, 1998). The studies about the integrated education had been traced for several decades, our research is based on the CATCH (Chedoke-McMaster Attitudes Towards Children with Handicaps Scale) questionnaire (Rosenbaum, 1985) which instrument had been used in several international studies as well (Tirosh, 1997; Vignes, 2008; Godeau 2010; Bosseart, 2011; De Laat, 2013, Schwab, 2017). Our major aim is to map the adolescent youth, their attitudes towards children with special treatment. The questionnaire was based on the three-component model of attitudes proposed by Triandis (1971). This 36-item, the self-administered scale was primarily paper-based, but our adaptation is placed on the online form. The participants of the study were 7th-grade students (N=99) The overall reliability of the test was satisfactory (Cronbach-α= 0,856). In the content analysis, we found two items that were significantly negative and four items which were not significant, those leaving the KMO= 0,809 (KMO>6), therefore suitable for factor analysis. The results show that, however in our sample, these three-component factors aren’t so clear, the test is reliable. There are some subtests that call for a revision, and we will need further researches to develop our assessment tool to make it more reliable and valid.
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Reality or Illusion? A Scientific Focused Examination of Pathological Expectation Avoidance, or PDA, Based on Domestic Literature
187-194Views:499Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) is a behavioural pattern that, based on available descriptions, can manifest itself in extreme, anxiety-ridden resistance to expectations and oppositional behaviour. In terms of its described "symptoms," it may overlap with many areas of autism spectrum disorder, which is why it became the focus of our study, as PDA is not part of the official diagnostic systems (DSM-5, ICD-11) and is therefore often confused with other disorders, primarily autism, oppositional defiant disorder, or ADHD, and its indiscriminate use can be particularly misleading. This kind of confusion or potential misinterpretation not only causes diagnostic problems but can also hinder the development of appropriate educational and therapeutic interventions for those affected. Based on the principles of inclusive education, every student has the right to support tailored to their individual needs. However, PDA currently falls outside the categories of special education and psychological care, so children are believed to be affected, and their families are often marginalised or may not receive adequate diagnosis-based intervention until later. This study argues that a scientific approach to PDA, its recognition and interpretation, is not only an ethical issue but can also be understood from the perspective of fairness, pedagogical flexibility, and social inclusion. Based on our findings, it can be argued that the "diagnosis" of PDA should be the subject of scientific research. The aim of this study is to analyse the findings of available sources to determine what we can understand by PDA and how it can be considered as a separate behavioural profile type.
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ROMA COLLEGES FOR ADVANCED STUDIES NETWORK IN HUNGARY
7-15Views:546Roma colleges for advanced studies network in Hungary is a unique chain of institutions for helping those students’ integration into the system of higher education whose sociocultural background might be characterized by deprivation. Recent study analyses the history as well as the networking process of Roma colleges and the paper endeavours to interpret the features of collegiate students’ dwelling-places. In the second part, the author deals with the significance of Roma collegiate students’ fields of study related to the debate coursing on the integration policy of marginalized and peripheral local ethnic communities in Hungary.
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A Well-Being Study of Families Raising Young Children in the Roma Segregated Area of Hajdúböszörmény
19-32Views:243As part of a grant-funded inclusion program, we conducted a lifestyle survey and needs assessment among 241 individuals of Roma identity in Hajdúböszörmény. This study included the WHO’s five-item well-being questionnaire. The study also provides an overview of well-being research in Hungary. Based on our research findings, we believe patterns from previous generations for families raising young children can be a source of strength, even in role model selection. In contrast, for families not currently raising young children, a sense of trust in the future can contribute to higher well-being levels among those living in segregated areas. We found that raising young children is generally associated with a higher level of well-being, which can be further reinforced by younger age, higher educational attainment, stable work income with optimal workload, and the location of the residence. We emphasize that promoting well-being requires a holistic approach, broad social cooperation, and a more equitable system that balances opportunities. Our research helps to understand the multifaceted nature of well-being, contributing to the identification of challenges and the search for solutions.