Smith, Matthew W. (1999) Teaching the 'Third World' : difference and development in the school curriculum. PhD thesis, University of Warwick.

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Abstract

This research explores the communication of the 'Third World' in the school
curriculum, focusing particularly on its role, location and significance. Using data
collected from two UK secondary schools the thesis combines ethnographic methods
with theoretical perspectives from sociology, development studies and cultural
studies. The conceptual focus of the research is on the ways the communication of the
'Third World' constructs notions of difference and identity in the school curriculum,
informed by its location within three frameworks of meaning: development; charity;
multiculturalism. The communication of the 'Third World' through each of these is
addressed in turn, focusing particularly on the variety of notions of 'self, 'world' and
' other' which are constructed. Attention is also drawn to the epistemological
foundations underpinning the different constructions of the 'Third World', and to the
implications this has for engagements with notions of difference.
The research seeks to explain the contradictions within and between the schools'
communication of the 'Third World', emphasising the micro-politics of the schools
and their location within a broader political context. In particular, attention is drawn to
the role of the aims, structure, and organisation of the schools in informing the
communication of the 'Third World', and to tensions between national and local
curricular authority.
It is argued that contradictions within and between the different constructions of the
'Third World' reflect changes in how the 'Third World' and development are
understood. However, the potential improvements in its communication that this
suggests are being constrained at both local and national levels. Thus, the research
concludes by identifying policy initiatives which can both build on this potential, and
prevent further prejudiced and discriminatory constructions of the 'Third World'. It
also suggests further research which will enhance our understanding in this area.

Item Type:	Thesis (PhD)
Subjects:	L Education > LB Theory and practice of education
Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH):	Developing countries -- Study and teaching, Education, Secondary -- Curricula -- Great Britain
Official Date:	April 1999
Dates:	Date Event April 1999 Submitted
Institution:	University of Warwick
Theses Department:	Department of Sociology
Thesis Type:	PhD
Publication Status:	Unpublished
Supervisor(s)/Advisor:	Burgess, Robert G.
Sponsors:	University of Warwick
Extent:	vii, 300 p.
Language:	eng

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