Anthropologists may be on the verge of shedding new light on the what, who, when, where, and why children learn in the formal classroom. Eleven propositions extracted from anthropological literature to help evaluate learning and teaching are discussed. (RM)

The nature of pluralism, especially in education, is discussed. The dominant culture in the United States is compared with the African culture. The uniqueness of African Americans and the implications for pluralism are investigated. Specific examples of ways educational personnel might promote educational pluralism are presented. (CJ)

From the assumption that all social reality can be usefully viewed as the processes whereby people act and interact in everyday life, this paper argues that the macroanalysis characterizing most comparative education research must be replaced by systematic observation and analysis of the microcosmic world of everyday school life. (Author/SJL)

The term "educational ethnology" suggests an anthropological approach to schools. This research approach would be cumulative with regard to individual schools, would compare similarities and differences among schools, would entail the mutual participation of anthropologists and members of the schools studied, and could remedy limitations of much…

Describes the relationship between education and anthropology and characterizes the subfield of educational anthropology. Information is presented on research interests, models, ethnographic methodology, objectives, and data needs within the subfield. (Author/DB)

Attempts to underscore the relevance of an anthropological perspective for the study of what educators call "educational problems". Considers the area of cross-cultural studies of education and socialization in the broadest sense, the comparative study of schools as institutions within a particular socio-cultural context, school ethnography, and…

Utilizes ethnographic research, the history of anthropology, and literature on multiculturalism, biculturalism, and bilingualism to assert that neither multiculturalism nor multicultural education can mitigate the assimilationist and racializing costs. Eurocentrism poses for immigrants and minoritized groups. Proposes a policy of bilingual and…

A review of observational and discourse analysis research argues that observational research is bound by a characteristics discourse with roots in early anthropological descriptions of education and suggests that, while observational methodologies and techniques have changed, the discourse of observation has always served to promote a single view…

The argument by H. Wolcott for the use of the term "propriospect" reminds scholars for the need of a diversified approach to complex processes grouped under the headings "transmission" or "acquisition" of culture. Transmission reflects a focus on the enactment of culture; acquisition reflects an emphasis on the…

Theoretical perspectives on issues of racism, ethnocentrism, and exclusion of targeted groups are examined. It is suggested that anthropologists need to explore the understanding and mediation of these problems. (MMU)

Examines the role of school social work from an anthropological perspective with a specific focus on the transmission of culture and the gendering role of social workers in schools. Asserts that school social workers seek to transform and to aid students, particularly female students, in asserting their own experiences and in developing new…

Explores the "field" as the critical initiator of all aspects of the research agenda in anthropology and education, focusing on the site of the work instead of the academy as the center point of power in anthropological investigation. (SLD)

Anchored in insights from my evolving research in Mexico and the United States, this article engages the literature on democratic citizenship education and proposes a potentially unifying research program for the anthropology of education. I urge anthropologists of education to address questions of political order and to bring democracy and…

From his analysis of the educative process in non-literate societies, taking examples and illustrations from inside and outside Africa, the author concludes the system is effective because there is no lag between what is being taught and the life the learner is living, it is highly individualized, and the teacher is involved and personally…

Examines the effects of educational planning on developing nations. Particular reference is made to the association that educational planning and educational planners have had with formal educational institutions and to the role that planning and its practitioners have played as purveyors of the "new magic" in traditional societies.…