Education as a homogenizing engine in indigenous cultures: case study of Aymara children in Northern Chile

Abstract Chile is a multi-ethnic Republic; a situation which contradicts itself when one looks at the relationship between the State and its ethnic groups, such as the Aymara in the North. One example of this is the implementation of a state-centric educational model which seems to be homogenizing....

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Main Authors: Victoria Rivera, Abraham Paulsen
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Springer 2023-02-01
Series:Discover Education
Subjects:
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1007/s44217-023-00030-5
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author Victoria Rivera
Abraham Paulsen
author_facet Victoria Rivera
Abraham Paulsen
author_sort Victoria Rivera
collection DOAJ
description Abstract Chile is a multi-ethnic Republic; a situation which contradicts itself when one looks at the relationship between the State and its ethnic groups, such as the Aymara in the North. One example of this is the implementation of a state-centric educational model which seems to be homogenizing. Taking a Children’s Geographies approach, the following work will analyze the specific types of relationships in educational institutions located in the Arica & Parinacota Region, between children from Aymara communities, the State, and adults. Through different qualitative investigative techniques, such as content analysis of drawings made by Aymara children, interviews made with teachers, and participant observation at schools, it seemed that the educational process that the Aymara children experience does not take their culture into consideration, which sets them apart from their parents’ and community’s identity. This study also uses the lens of Children’s Geographies to identify some landmarks in their spatial worldview transformation and their spatiality. Taking everything into account, conclusions are stated on how the normative educational model shapes uprooted children.
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spelling doaj.art-29f1456cf2fb4f4aadfb9e42fbe26e592023-02-12T12:19:58ZengSpringerDiscover Education2731-55252023-02-012111910.1007/s44217-023-00030-5Education as a homogenizing engine in indigenous cultures: case study of Aymara children in Northern ChileVictoria Rivera0Abraham Paulsen1Instituto de Geografía of Pontificia Universidad Católica de ChileInstituto de Geografía of Pontificia Universidad Católica de ChileAbstract Chile is a multi-ethnic Republic; a situation which contradicts itself when one looks at the relationship between the State and its ethnic groups, such as the Aymara in the North. One example of this is the implementation of a state-centric educational model which seems to be homogenizing. Taking a Children’s Geographies approach, the following work will analyze the specific types of relationships in educational institutions located in the Arica & Parinacota Region, between children from Aymara communities, the State, and adults. Through different qualitative investigative techniques, such as content analysis of drawings made by Aymara children, interviews made with teachers, and participant observation at schools, it seemed that the educational process that the Aymara children experience does not take their culture into consideration, which sets them apart from their parents’ and community’s identity. This study also uses the lens of Children’s Geographies to identify some landmarks in their spatial worldview transformation and their spatiality. Taking everything into account, conclusions are stated on how the normative educational model shapes uprooted children.https://doi.org/10.1007/s44217-023-00030-5Aymara childrenChildren’s geographyArica Region and Andean PlateauNormative educational modelSpatial worldviewHTP Test
spellingShingle Victoria Rivera
Abraham Paulsen
Education as a homogenizing engine in indigenous cultures: case study of Aymara children in Northern Chile
Discover Education
Aymara children
Children’s geography
Arica Region and Andean Plateau
Normative educational model
Spatial worldview
HTP Test
title Education as a homogenizing engine in indigenous cultures: case study of Aymara children in Northern Chile
title_full Education as a homogenizing engine in indigenous cultures: case study of Aymara children in Northern Chile
title_fullStr Education as a homogenizing engine in indigenous cultures: case study of Aymara children in Northern Chile
title_full_unstemmed Education as a homogenizing engine in indigenous cultures: case study of Aymara children in Northern Chile
title_short Education as a homogenizing engine in indigenous cultures: case study of Aymara children in Northern Chile
title_sort education as a homogenizing engine in indigenous cultures case study of aymara children in northern chile
topic Aymara children
Children’s geography
Arica Region and Andean Plateau
Normative educational model
Spatial worldview
HTP Test
url https://doi.org/10.1007/s44217-023-00030-5
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