Diversity and Citizenship Education: Global Perspectives

by James A. Banks

The increasing ethnic, racial, cultural, religious, and language diversity in nations throughout the world is forcing educators and policymakers to rethink existing notions of citizenship and nationality. To experience cultural democracy and freedom, a nation must be unified around a set of democratic values such as justice and equality that balance unity and diversity and protect the rights of diverse groups. "Diversity and Citizenship Education: Global Perspectives" brings together in one comprehensive volume a group of international experts on the topic of diversity and citizenship education. These experts discuss and identify the shared issues and possibilities that exist when educating for national unity and cultural diversity. "Diversity and Citizenship Education: Global Perspectives" presents compelling case studies and examples of successful programs and practices from twelve nations, discusses problems that arise when societies are highly stratified along race, cultural, and class lines, and describes guidelines and benchmarks that practicing educators can use to structure citizenship education programs that balance unity and diversity. The book covers a broad range of issues and includes vital information on such topics as Migration, citizenship, and education The challenge of racialized citizenship in the United States The contribution of the struggles by Indians and Blacks for citizenship and recognition in Brazil Crises of citizenship education and ethnic issues in Germany, Russia, and South Africa Conflicts between religious and ethnic factions Diversity, globalization, and democratic education

528 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2003

About the author

James A. Banks is the Kerry and Linda Killinger Endowed Chair in Diversity Studies Emeritus at the University of Washington, Seattle. He was the Russell F. Stark University Professor at the University of Washington, 2001–2006. Professor Banks is a past president of the American Educational Research Association and of the National Council for the Social Studies. He is a specialist in social studies education and multi­cultural education and has written widely in these fields.