Ethnocentrism in Education

Book excerpt: While we witness a dramatic revival of Ethnocentrism, particularly in the former socialist countries, the Global Interdependence is inexorably increasing in the face of internationalized high technology, stock-markets, pollution and migration. The comparative Reader analyses the educational implications of ethnocentrism from the perspective of different social sciences, with regard to its educational and social ramifications in four continents, and in the intention to balance ethnic identity and cultural diversity with social communication and cross-cultural cooperation. The reader encourages a Comparison at three levels: First of all, between research concepts, regional case studies and cross-cultural educational goals and means; second, between appearance, functions, and legitimacy of ethnocentrism in education; and thirdly, between the efficacy of subtle socialization procedures and the possibilities of formal education and educational policy.