This study, part of a larger research project on political socialization in Europe, examines the role of educational materials in informing individuals in the Netherlands about the political system of the European Community. The report covers five topics: (1) educational materials; (2) educational materials in an ends-means model of formal…

Describes a study of 14 fifth graders concerning their understanding and attitudes toward the Persian Gulf War. Finds that the public school served as a significant socialization agent during the war, although television was even more important. Concludes that patriotic issues and activities overshadowed any attempts to have students think…

An analysis of 50 textbooks used in the elementary schools of the former Belgian Congo reveals an overt attempt to propagate colonial ideology. Fundamental themes included the legitimacy of the colonization, denigration of the indigenous culture, and establishment of colonial authority. Three books, however, resisted this indoctrination and one…

Describes the history and role of human rights education in Latin America. Links these efforts with relevant political histories, cultural phenomena, and social movements. Maintains that occurrence human rights violations are a basic initial stimulus for human rights education. (CFR)

Discusses the sometimes brutal, sometimes idealistic attempts by early Soviet revolutionaries to conscript the home and family into the Marxist educational system. Programs ranged from the benign (teaching peasant children new crops) to the totalitarian (extending criminal prosecution to the age of 12). Briefly covers later periods. (MJP)

Reports on a study of the relationship between moral and political consciousness as evidenced by the ideas and words of 20 middle-school children of average scholastic ability. Finds that the socioeconomic conditions of a community influenced the children's perceptions of issues and problems. (CFR)

Articulates an approach to teaching sociology that creates connections between the personal and political lives of the students and the sociological concepts studied. Includes descriptions of class assignments designed to induce alienation and empowerment. Considers pedagogical alternatives to traditional instruction. (MJP)

Advocates a broader conceptualization of citizenship, relying less on Cartesian and Aristotelian precepts, and incorporating postmodern feminist political theory. Identifies three theoretical phases leading to this conceptualization: past for the present, difference out of sameness, and rationality to subjectiveness. (MJP)

Charts the changes in Namibian curriculum policy reflecting the recent independence from South Africa and the dismantling of apartheid. Although originally conceived as a radical socialist state, political realities quickly created policies of reconciliation within Namibia. Educational policy has focused on the establishment of a post-colonial…

Discusses how Cold War ideological models provide a way to examine the U.S. role in world affairs. Discusses and compares on the writings of Paul Gagnon and Noam Chomsky on this topic. Concludes that students should stand outside both models to develop a meaningful perspective on the U.S. role during the Cold War. (CFR)

Presents an in-depth portrait of the British government's educational policy in the Bechuanaland protectorate. The government systematized the primary school syllabus, regularized payment and training of teachers, and established cattle post schools. However, blatant discrimination favored support of European schools over African and little…

Discusses the organization and implementation of youth education and work programs by the occupying allies in post- World War II Germany. Initial efforts at youth denazification were divided between punitive and rehabilitative approaches. Support from German churches favored rehabilitation efforts. (MJP)

Examines six elementary social studies textbook series for the absence or presence of multicultural perspectives. Identifies Houghton Mifflin and Macmillan as opposite ends of the spectrum. Houghton Mifflin displayed a global-humanistic perspective while Macmillan favored a nationalistic, exclusionary approach. Includes examples from both. (MJP)

Considers the difficulties experienced by the East German School system adjusting to a more progressive educational philosophy. Specifically, contrasts the traditional East German geography instruction (focused solely on physical geography) with the West German emphasis on social issues and problem solving. Many East German instructors distrust…

Reviews 20 years of research on gender issues and political attitudes during the high school years. Current research reveals no gender difference in levels of student political interest, efficacy, confidence, or trust. Interviews, however, suggests that females are more likely to express views on public policy. (MJP)