Educational anthropology

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Study of cultural aspects of education

Educational anthropology is a subfield of anthropology and education that examines the cultural aspects of education, including the cultural transmission of knowledge, beliefs, and values. It explores how educational processes are influenced by cultural contexts and how education, in turn, affects cultural change.

Overview

Educational anthropology focuses on understanding the role of education in different cultural settings. It investigates how education is practiced, perceived, and valued in various societies. This field of study is interdisciplinary, drawing on methods and theories from both anthropology and education.

History

The roots of educational anthropology can be traced back to the early 20th century when anthropologists began to study the educational practices of indigenous peoples. The field gained prominence in the 1960s and 1970s as scholars sought to understand the cultural dimensions of education in a rapidly globalizing world.

Key Concepts

Cultural Transmission

Cultural transmission refers to the process by which knowledge, skills, attitudes, and values are passed from one generation to the next. Educational anthropologists study how this transmission occurs in formal and informal educational settings.

Cultural Relativism

Cultural relativism is the principle that an individual's beliefs and activities should be understood by others in terms of that individual's own culture. In educational anthropology, this concept is crucial for understanding how educational practices vary across different cultural contexts.

Ethnography of Education

Ethnography of education involves the detailed observation and analysis of educational settings. Educational anthropologists use ethnographic methods to study classrooms, schools, and other educational environments to understand the cultural dynamics at play.

Methodologies

Educational anthropologists employ a variety of research methods, including:

• Participant Observation: Immersing oneself in the educational setting to observe and participate in daily activities.
• Interviews: Conducting structured or semi-structured interviews with students, teachers, and other stakeholders.
• Surveys: Using questionnaires to gather data on educational practices and beliefs.
• Document Analysis: Examining educational materials, curricula, and policy documents.

Applications

Educational anthropology has practical applications in:

• Curriculum Development: Designing culturally relevant curricula that reflect the values and needs of diverse student populations.
• Teacher Training: Preparing educators to work effectively in multicultural and multilingual classrooms.
• Policy Making: Informing educational policies that promote equity and inclusion.

Challenges

One of the main challenges in educational anthropology is addressing the power dynamics inherent in educational systems. Researchers must be aware of their own biases and the potential impact of their work on the communities they study.

Also see

• Cultural anthropology
• Sociology of education
• Ethnography
• Multicultural education
• Cultural transmission

References

• Erickson, F. (1987). Transformation and school success: The politics and culture of educational achievement. Anthropology & Education Quarterly, 18(4), 335-356.
• Levinson, B. A., & Holland, D. C. (1996). The cultural production of the educated person: Critical ethnographies of schooling and local practice. SUNY Press.