ABSTRACT
In recent times, Europe has witnessed wide socio-political and demographic changes as a result of increasing migration and transnationalism which have impacted upon interethnic relations and social cohesion. One of the consequences of these demographic changes has been the creation of the notion of multicultural societies. In developing a successful recipe to support the integration of European societies, education can play a central role. Yet, as many have argued (Connolly 1994; Crozier 1989; Hage 1998; Varenne and McDermott 1998), intercultural education, when not properly implemented, not only fails to fulfil its predetermined goals but paradoxically achieves the opposite effect: that of reproducing racist stereotypes. However, Zembylas and Bekerman (2013) stress that where integrated schools are properly supported they can contribute positively to the peaceful co-existence of children with different ethnic backgrounds.
