Perceptions of Albanian and Serbian people held by Serbian youth : an exploratory analysis in light of social identity theory

Abstract

The aim of this study is to investigate the perceptions Serbian youth have of Serbian and Albanian ethnic groups. The data were obtained via semi‑structured interviews with 20 young Serbs: 10 of whom had lived in Kosovo, and had therefore had personal contact with Albanians, and 10 of whom lived all their life in Serbia and had no, or very limited, contact with Albanians. Interviews were transcribed and analysed using thematic analysis. Results were examined in light of social identity theory. The findings indicate that the Serbians youths’ own group is perceived in a more positive light and as more heterogeneous than the Albanian group. Furthermore, participants who have had more contact with Albanians, even under unfavorable circumstances, had a more positive view of them. The implications of these findings for peace studies are discussed, highlighting the importance of peace education and intercultural exchanges.