Różnorodność cechą współczesnego świata

This paper deals with cultural, ethnic, religious, physical and mental diversity as well with different preferences of value systems, lifestyles, etc. dominating in contemporary societies and presents the resulting educational implications. Because of the specificity of social perception, every single case of variation/strangeness triggers off the process of stigmatization/labelling, manifesting itself in intolerant, discriminating or even hostile behaviour. The paper indicates the negative influence of the so-called „hidden pro-gramme” of the school and emphasizes the need for increased educational efforts aimed at the formation of tolerant attitudes among students.