Beyond ‘migrant background’: how to select relevant, social justice oriented, and feasible social categories in educational research

Abstract Across continental Europe, educational research samples are often divided by ‘migrant background’, a binary variable criticized for masking participant heterogeneity and reinforcing exclusionary norms of belonging. This study endorses more meaningful, representative, precise offering four guiding questions selecting relevant, social justice oriented, feasible categories collecting analysing data in psychological research. Using preregistered empirical example, we first compare selected (‘migrant family heritage, religion, citizenship, cultural identification, generation status) their potential to reveal heterogeneity. Second, investigate differences means relations between variables (discrimination experiences, perceived societal Islamophobia, national identity) academic motivation among 1335 adolescents Germany (48% female, M age = 14.69). Regression analyses multigroup SEM revealed differential experiences with implications discrimination motivation. Results highlight the need deliberate, transparent use make visible centre participants’ subjective experiences.