Multicultural education, gender and social justice: liberal feminist misgivings

Enslin, P. (2001) Multicultural education, gender and social justice: liberal feminist misgivings. International Journal of Educational Research, 35(3), pp. 281-292. (doi: 10.1016/S0883-0355(01)00024-6)

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Abstract

This chapter argues the need to acknowledge the limitations of multiculturalism in approaching social justice in South African education, in the face of the understandable post-apartheid enthusiasm for multiculturalism. Examining policy documents and public discourse about the concept and implementation of multiculturalism as well as the concept of culture itself, the authors raises a tension between multiculturalism, on the one hand, and the frequently proclaimed policy goals of promoting a non-sexist order and of teaching critical thinking in a culture of human rights, on the other. Indeed, it is suggested that an uncritical enthrallment to multiculturalism is more likely to prejudice the education of girls by preventing a critique of oppressive practices that undermine their interests and rights. While the political liberalism that preoccupies political philosophy in the West offers little guidance on dealing with difference to countries like South Africa, the emergence of a liberal universalist feminism offers greater scope for educational intervention against oppressive practices wrongly defended in the name of multiculturalism.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Enslin, Professor Penny
Authors: Enslin, P.
College/School:College of Social Sciences > School of Education
Journal Name:International Journal of Educational Research
Publisher:Pergamon
ISSN:0883-0355
ISSN (Online):1873-538X
Published Online:12 July 2001

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