Why are the liberal studies textbooks that stigmatized China spread in Hong Kong? A textual analysis from foucauldian order of discourse

Why are the liberal studies textbooks that stigmatized China spread in Hong Kong? A textual analysis from foucauldian order of discourse

• Li, Yulong City University of Macau
• Wu, Yuxi City University of Macau

International Critical Thought, 12(1), 116-132, 2022

Routledge

2022

• G Curriculum, Teaching & Learning: Specific Disciplines
  • GJ Interdisciplinary
    • GJB Teaching Conditions & Facilities, Teaching Materials

Foucault Indoctrination Liberal Studies Textbook Analysis

• Hong Kong

• 1997.7 onwards

• Secondary Education

Liberal studies (LS) textbooks used in Hong Kong public secondary schools have incurred controversy regarding perceived biased contents; however, what appears uncertain are what techniques the textbooks used to incite hostility towards the mainland of China and encourage students to participate in violent acts in Hong Kong. The present study used Michel Foucault's order of discourse theory, particularly the "division and rejection" framework regarding the power of discourse to analyze five popular LS textbooks. The findings reveal that the textbooks depict a division between the fabricated irrational image of the mainland and the rational image of Hong Kong. Specifically, the textbooks paint Chinese patriotism as irrational while encouraging the student readers to reject their Chinese identity. The textbooks also create a division between altruistic and capable civilians and passive, silent ones, with the morality of the former being connected to violence and radicalism. In this way, the textbooks produce a discourse of hostility towards the mainland and the people in the mainland while encouraging violence. Copyright © 2022 Routledge.

• English

Journal Articles

• 21598282

• 10.1080/21598282.2022.2027805

https://bibliography.lib.eduhk.hk/bibs/e18e771d

2023-04-11