This document describes a study that examined factors related to global citizenship. It found that global awareness and normative support from friends and family predicted stronger identification as a global citizen. In turn, stronger global citizen identity predicted greater endorsement of prosocial values like empathy, diversity, social justice, sustainability, helping others globally, and responsibility. The document concludes that promoting awareness of a shared identity as global citizens can encourage prosocial attitudes and behaviors across borders.
1. 1 = strongly disagree
7 = strongly agree
• 1) Most people who are important to me think that being a global
citizen is desirable
• 2) If I called myself a global citizen most people who are important to
me would approve
• 3) I understand how the various cultures of this world interact
socially
• 4) I am aware that my actions in my local environment may affect
people in other countries
• 5) I try to stay informed of current issues that impact international
relations
• 6) I believe that I am connected to people in other countries, and my
actions can affect them
• 7) I would describe myself as a global citizen
• 8) I strongly identify with global citizens
2. 1 = strongly disagree
7 = strongly agree
• 9) I am able to empathize with people from other countries
• 10) It is easy for me to put myself in someone else’s shoes
regardless of what country they are from
• 11) I would like to join groups that emphasize getting to
know people from different countries
• 12) I am interested in learning about the many cultures that
have existed in this world
• 13) Those countries that are well off should help people in
countries who are less fortunate
• 14) Basic services such as health care, clean water, food,
and legal assistance should be available to everyone,
regardless of what country they live in
3. 1 = strongly disagree
7 = strongly agree
• 15) People have a responsibility to conserve natural
resources to foster a sustainable environment
• 16) Natural resources should be used primarily to provide
for basic needs rather than material wealth
• 17) If I had the opportunity, I would help others who are in
need regardless of their nationality
• 18) If I could, I would dedicate my life to helping others no
matter what country they are from
• 19) Being actively involved in global issues is my
responsibility
• 20) It is my responsibility to understand and respect cultural
differences across the globe to the best of my abilities
5. Definition
• awareness, caring, and embracing cultural
diversity while promoting social justice and
sustainability, coupled with a sense of
responsibility to act.
6. Who are likely to be global citizens?
• Global awareness (knowledge and interconnectedness with
others) and one’s normative environment (friends and
family support global citizenship) predicted identification
with global citizens (Reysen&Katzarska, 2012)
• Global awareness – (Q3 + Q4 + Q5 + Q6) / 28
• Normative environment – (Q1 + Q2) / 14
• Global citizenship identification – (Q7 + Q8) / 14
7. In turn..
• global citizenship predicted prosocial values of intergroup
empathy, valuing diversity, social justice, environmental
sustainability, intergroup helping, and a felt responsibility to act
for the betterment of the world
8. • Intergroup empathy - a felt connection and concern for people outside one’s
ingroup (Golmohamad, 2008; Oxfam, 1997). (Q9 + Q10) / 14
• Valuing diversity - an interest in and appreciation for the diverse cultures of
the world (Dower 2002b; Golmohamad, 2008). (Q11 + Q12) / 14
• Social justice - attitudes concerning human rights and equitable and fair
treatment of all humans (Dower, 2002a, 2002b; Heater, 2000). (Q13 + Q14)
/ 14
• Environmental sustainability - the belief that humans and nature are
connected, combined with a felt obligation to protect the natural
environment (Heater, 2000) (Q15 + Q16) / 14
• Intergroup helping - aid to others outside one’s group, and is enacted
through behaviors such as donating to charity, volunteering locally, and
working with transnational organizations to help others globally (Dower,
2002a) (Q17 + Q18) / 14
• Responsibility to act - an acceptance of a moral duty or obligation to act for
the betterment of the world (Dower, 2002a, 2002b). (Q19 + Q20) / 14
9. Research
• When global citizen identity is salient
(important), greater identification is related
to adherence (support) to the group’s
content (i.e., prosocial values and
behaviours).
10. Promoting Global Citizenship
• All humans are global citizens; however some lack
the awareness to recognise their connection with
humanity as a whole.
• Categorising with an inclusive superordinate
category results in prosocial values and behaviours.
• Encouraging individuals to identify with the
superordinate category of “global citizen”
• Global citizen theorists argue for greater integration
and support for global citizenship education
between school and community (Dower, 2002)