GLOBAL CITIZENSHIP EDUCATION: NAVIGATING SOCIOECONOMIC DISPARITIES AND CULTURAL SENSITIVITY
Global citizenship education addresses the multifaceted challenges of socioeconomic inequality and cultural diversity in Malaysia's educational landscape. Bridging the urban-rural education gap is crucial, alongside ensuring cultural sensitivity in curricula to cultivate a sense of belonging for all students. Balancing internationalization with local cultural preservation is essential to prevent the erosion of traditional values. Effective integration of global issues into education and teacher training programs is imperative. By tackling socioeconomic disparities and fostering a harmonious multicultural environment, Malaysia can successfully promote global citizenship and nurture inclusive, empowered citizens. This study used a quantitative approach via a survey of 55 items to collect relevant data from 354 university students. The data obtained were analysed using the PLS-SEM 4.0 software via the algorithm, bootstrapping and blindfolding method. The results showed significant relationship of Ho1, Ho2, Ho3, and Ho4 in influencing Promotion of Global Citizenship through the factors of Socioeconomic Status (β = 0.128, p = 0.000< 0.05), Cultural Sensitivity in Curriculum (β = 0.216, p = 0.000< 0.05), Internationalization Efforts (β = 0.154, p = 0.01< 0.05), and Teacher Training Programs (β = 0.196, p = 0.045< 0.05). Nevertheless, no significant relationship was found between Urban-Rural Education Disparities (0.185, p = 0.090 > 0.05) and Promotion of Global Citizenship. These results emphasize the necessity of holistic approaches to education that prioritize socioeconomic equality, cultural understanding, and effective teacher training to cultivate global citizenship skills and attitudes among students. Policymakers and educators should focus on bridging socioeconomic gaps, promoting cultural sensitivity, and integrating global issues into the curriculum to nurture inclusive and empowered citizens capable of contributing to a harmonious multicultural society. Furthermore, its offers valuable insights into the nuanced dynamics of global citizenship education in the Malaysian context.
Global Citizenship Education, Socioeconomic Inequality, Cultural Sensitivity, Teacher Training Programs, Multicultural Environment.