In search for cultural identity: strategies of ethno-cultural education in Lithuanian general education schools

LTReikšminiai žodžiai: Bendrojo lavinimo mokyklos; Etnokultūrinis ugdymas; Kultūrinis identitetas; Kultūrinė tapatybė; Strategijos; Cultural identity; Ethno-cultural education; General education schools; Lithuania; Strategies.

ENMany researchers of education and culture maintain that contemporary culture undergoes essential changes. The young generation understands culture and its aims differently from their parents. They are easily influenced by present day culture. The previously valued national ideals, symbols, history,language, religion have a different meaning for them. At the same time the personal cultural identity is changing and becoming hybrid. As one of the most frequently presented ways how to resist globalization and to preserve one’s cultural identity is the development and fostering of ethnic culture. The article will analyze the situation of ethnic culture and ethno-cultural education in Lithuania. Following the data of the qualitative research “Identity, cultural transmission and national education“ (2010), the attitude of learners (11th formers) and educators (learners’ parents, grandparents and teachers) towards the importance of ethnic culture in the process of education to the (self-)formation of cultural identity as well as various strategies for ethno-cultural education in school are discussed. (The article was supported by the Lithuanian Science Council; project “Education as enculturation”, contract no. LIT-4-16. [From the publication]

• Sociologija / Sociology
• Edukologija / Education