Education for More Than One Culture: Fostering Cultural Pluralism in Micronesia

From Habele Institute

Smith, Donald F (1976-07-10). Education for More Than One Culture: Fostering Cultural Pluralism in Micronesia (Report). Honolulu, HI. p. 10.

Abstract: Micronesia is a multicultural society which must develop an educational system to meet viable cultural options. The society harmoniously blends Spanish, Oriental, German, and American influences in its language, racial structure, religion, and architecture, but not in its educational system. Education has additionally been tailored to the needs of the political or religious authority in power rather than to an intercultural commitment. Education for self-identity will have to make accommodations with the contradictory contributions of past administering authorities as well as foster respect for indigenous institutions. A present shortcoming of both the normal and non-formal educational systems is the stereotyping of various minority cultures. To combat this problem, Micronesian schools should stress curriculum which incorporates material on outer islanders, Placing particular emphasis on biographies of Micronesians whoa have achieved stature. On the non-formal level, wider exposure of museum collections, applications for grants for cultural preservation; and emphasis on the relevance of historical Micronesian sites can encourage cultural pluralism. Micronesia has always been a multicultural society, and education must awaken to this faCt and contribute to the building of a new social order.

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MAG: 96964464
OpenAlex: W96964464
CorpusID: 150511725