Level of importance on education based on different cultures?
February 3, 2011 by Study Maven
Filed under importance of education
How do different cultures view education ? Im trying to write an essay on education based on diff cultures.
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Different cultures definitely have different views on education. Some countries value education for all people, some countries only for rich people, and some only for males.
I think sometimes education is put aside because there are more important things happening within the culture, such as wars or famines.
The leaders, thinkers, and caretakers of every culture appreciate fully the importance of education to the advancement of people in general, and within their culture specifically. This is very simple to appreciate. All you must do is look to see who is driving the most expensive automobiles, living in the biggest homes, and vacationing on private islands: it is the people with the education.
A nation like the United States is comprised of a dozen or more different cultures. We would like to think that all of these cultures are being assimilated into one, American culture, while preserving their own ancestral differences. This is not the case and education is the problem. It presents in questions of opportunity, appreciation, and individuality,
1. Re-emphasizing, it is not the importance of education that is up for argument, perhaps the greatest influence is the perceived equal opportunity to achieve that education. This is a complex matter beyond the scope of the question. Suffice it to say here, one culture will divide from another upon what they think is important for their own culture to advance. Some will jump in with both feet into culture-neutral subjects such as science and mathematics; while others feel the study of their own culture and its roots is more important.
2. After equal opportunity, and still appreciating at the upper levels the importance of education, the leaders fail to imbue younger generations with the importance of this one-time opportunity to learn while they are young. Consequently, the youth loses sight of the long-term importance of education, losing interest, and often falling behind–beyond the point of catching up.
3. Other cultures embrace difficulties in language, philosophy, and priority in order to achieve the highest level of education that is available. Likewise, an individual student–regardless of culture–will strive at his own best and highest abilities, despite the prevailing short-term importance given to education by his peers. Both types of foreword looking achievers well usually succeed in education, and consequently, in the world of employment and self-sufficiency.
Be certain that your essay does not do a disservice to any particular culture simply because of statistics. America’s best and brightest will come from every sub-culture in the country, and also from cultures only recently emigrating from their native countries. A well founded education is statistically the most sure way to financial security. Every culture as a group understands this. The problem is passing the word down to the youth who find more interest in Paris Hilton than Paris, France.
I am a white female american and I have opportunities; yet, many americans (something like 30-50%) choose not to pursue a college education. This may be because they are tired of school, not motivated by their family and peers, are satisfied with their current education and income level, etc.
I do know that communist and community cultures such as chinese and japanese value teamwork and education differently than we do in america. They value the common good and team over individuals success. This can either sway citizens towards less education influence, if education is viewed as an individual pursuit, or towards more education if it is perceived as benifcial and necessary for the “whole” or “team” to advance.
Overall, cultures that have fought or been deprived of educational opportunities will be more inclined to view education as neccessary and valuable than their counterparts. Besides ethinic background, socioeconomic status also plays a role. For example, if you have money and financial security, why do you need the pursuit of education for monetary incentive, ecspecailly if not eligible for financial scholarships or tuition reinbursements?
Overall, people view education based on their individual motivation to enhance their knowledge, earn more money , and provide for themselves and their family a better life. Other reasons people are educated is the government may force them, there is no money or jobs available without education, or they are forced by their social group to do so. The basic premise of course is that “enhancement=education”
Education could also be looked upon from a corporate perspective as necessary for more efficienct workers, and for more advanced work opportunities. Again, the point is to move up and is a sign of the industrial revolution of the late 1800s and early 1900s.
The philospohers and biblical teachers of the past associated education with wisdom and age. More education was a sign of “holiness,” “aristocracy,” and “prophetcy.” The educated were viewed higher by society than any other worker or slave. This again, ties into the core family values for a society and its economy.
Hope this helps you.