Schools and National Identities in French-speaking Africa: Political Choices, Means of Transmission and Appropriation

Schools and National Identities in French-speaking Africa explores the role of schools in producing and reproducing national identities through individual case studies and comparative frameworks. It demonstrates the usefulness of the curriculum as a lens to analyze the production and negotiation of national identities in different settings, discussing tensions between decolonization, the interplay between local, national, and international priorities, and the nuanced role of historiography and language in nation-building. The volume provides insights into the diversity of issues and dynamics surrounding the question of schools and national identities, particularly in African countries.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 220 pages
Publication date: 30 May 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Schools and National Identities in French-Speaking Africa is a groundbreaking collection of cutting-edge research that delves into the profound role of schools in shaping and reproducing national identities across a diverse range of African countries. Through comprehensive individual case studies and comparative frameworks, the volume offers a rich tapestry of empirical and theoretical insights, shedding light on the complex dynamics at play in the production and negotiation of national identities.

One of the key themes explored in the book is the tension between decolonization as a momentous event and decolonization as a protracted and complex process. The chapters delve into the intricate interplay between the local, national, and international priorities of various actors, as well as the nuanced role of historiography and language in nation-building. The authors critically examine the concept of the nation as a political project, exploring how discourses and feelings of belonging are constructed within school settings and the implications of these constructions for students and society as a whole.

At the heart of this volume lies the urgent need to critically investigate the role of schools in perpetuating or challenging dominant national narratives. The authors examine how textbooks, curricula, and pedagogical practices contribute to the construction of national identities and the reinforcement of social inequalities. They also explore the ways in which schools can be spaces of learning, socialization, and political engagement, as well as sites of resistance and transformation.

To provide a comprehensive understanding of the issues and dynamics surrounding schools and national identities in French-Speaking Africa, the volume presents new research on textbooks, practitioners, and policy in ten different African countries. This diverse range of case studies offers insights into the diversity of issues and challenges faced by schools in different contexts, including postcolonial legacies, cultural diversity, and the role of education in promoting social cohesion and national development.

Schools and National Identities in French-Speaking Africa is a valuable resource for scholars, researchers, and postgraduate students interested in comparative and international education, sociology, history, sociolinguistics, and African studies. The book provides a comprehensive and interdisciplinary approach to understanding the complex relationship between schools, national identities, and the broader social and political landscape of Africa. By challenging traditional narratives and offering fresh perspectives, it contributes to our understanding of the role of education in shaping the future of the continent.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367634674