Pérez-Jorge, DavidMesquita, ElzaFreire-Ribeiro, IldaPérez-Pérez, Itahisa2026-06-192026-06-192026Pérez-Jorge, David; Mesquita, Elza; Freire-Ribeiro, Ilda; Pérez-Pérez, Itahisa (2026). Intercultural citizenship in Portugal and Spain: Challenges and realities. Social Sciences and Humanities Open. ISSN 2590-2911. 13, p. 1-102590-2911http://hdl.handle.net/10198/36907This study explores university students' perceptions and attitudes toward cultural diversity, civic participation, and intercultural interaction in Portugal and Spain. The study surveyed 232 students using a structured questionnaire on cultural identity, attitudes toward diversity, and civic behaviors. For both groups, primary sources of identity included ethnicity, gender, and nationality. Portuguese students emphasized language, while Spanish students emphasized religion, political ideology, and sexual orientation. Portuguese students demonstrated a heightened sensitivity to cultural diversity and an enhanced understanding of the importance of equitable access to public services, likely influenced by progressive national policies on inclusion and diversity. In contrast, both groups demonstrated limited knowledge of civic participation, underscoring the need for educational policies that enhance civic awareness, promote inclusion, and foster intercultural understanding. Civic participation was linked to inclusive attitudes and intercultural interactions, enabling meaningful engagement across diverse backgrounds.engIntercultural interactionCultural diversityCivic participationUniversity studentsPortugalSpainIdentity sourcesEducational policyjournal article10.1016/j.ssaho.2026.102839