Competition between politicized and depoliticized versions of civic education curricula: The case of Hong Kong

Competition between politicized and depoliticized versions of civic education curricula: The case of Hong Kong

• Leung, Yan Wing The Hong Kong Institute of Education
• Yuen, Wai Wa Timothy The Hong Kong Institute of Education

Citizenship, Social and Economics Education, 11(1), 45-56, 2012

Symposium Journals

2012

• P Social Context of Education
  • PC Society & Education
• P Social Context of Education
  • PE Law & Education ; Politics & Education

• Hong Kong

• 1997.7 onwards

• Unknown or Unspecified

This article discusses the influence of Confucianism on civic education, focusing on Hong Kong as a particular case of concern. The development of Hong Kong’s civic education is sketched, highlighting the competitions between the politicized and depoliticized versions of the civic education curriculum. The notion that a depoliticized civic education, supported by Confucian ideals, is necessarily a distinctive feature of Asian civic education, is then critiqued. Finally, the article argues that an eclectic version of civic education, comprising both political and moral components, is warranted. This is what Confucian tenets really mean. It is hoped that the discussion here will help reflect whether Confucian tenets justify depoliticization of education and civic education. This is important given the growing aspiration for democracy and citizens’ participation in civil societies, particularly those whose cultural roots are in the Confucian tradition. Moreover, the authors hope that the dialogues between Confucian traditions and the Western traditions discussed in the article can shed light on some thought-provoking issues of interest to an international readership, particularly as China is becoming more influential globally.
[Copyright © Symposium Journals Ltd 2012.]

• English

Journal Articles

• 20471734

https://bibliography.lib.eduhk.hk/bibs/068b9327

2015-11-05