Ethnocentrism in education occurs when the curriculum, teaching methods, and educational strategies present the history and knowledge base of a nation from a monocultural Western European perspective that ignores the presence and/or contributions of other groups in society. For example, racial/ethnic minorities are often absent in the educational literature, and/or members of these groups are portrayed in stereotypical and negative ways.

Overview

Ethnocentrism is defined as the belief that one's own group is superior, and that belief is used to judge other groups as inferior. It is often outside the level of conscious awareness of well-intentioned educators who unwittingly impose these beliefs upon various groups in society. Another defining feature of ethnocentrism is the unequal power dynamic that exists between groups. This power differential allows majority group ...

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