The power of knowledge: a critical analysis of the depiction of ethnic minorities in China’s elementary textbooks

Abstract

This study critically analyzes knowledge about: (1) ethnic minority groups; (2) the dominant Han group; and (3) the interaction between ethnic minorities and Han presented in three types of elementary textbooks used in China. The analysis reveals that the knowledge about and the values and beliefs of the Han people are overwhelmingly dominant in all reviewed textbooks. At the same time, ethnic minority groups are marginalized and the knowledge about them is incomplete and stereotypical. In addition, most of the knowledge about ethnic minorities are constructed and presented from the perspective of the Han people. The results indicate that the dominant ideology and unequal power relations are reflected and reinforced through the strategic construction, selection, and presentation of knowledge in textbooks. It also calls for a need to incorporate more accurate and complete knowledge in textbooks for students to develop a critical understanding of the society. This article analyzes the representation of ethnic minority groups in China's elementary textbooks. The depiction of the majority Han group and the content about the interaction between Han and ethnic minorities is also examined. The questions that guided the inquiry were: (1) What knowledge and beliefs about ethnic minorities are constructed in Chinese elementary textbooks; and (2) Whose perspectives and interests are valued in the process of knowledge construction? Through an analysis of elementary textbooks, this study explored how knowledge about ethnic minorities is interpreted from the point of view of Han by highlighting certain discourses while eliminating others. What was also under scrutiny was the unequal power relations between Han and ethnic minorities that were reinforced and reproduced through Han's hegemonic control of knowledge construction and selection in textbooks. *

Holocaust Education in Germany: Ensuring relevance and meaning in an increasingly diverse community

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