A CRITICAL ANALYSIS OF

MULTICULTURAL EDUCATION
WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO
THE VALUES ISSUE IN THE
SOUTH AFRICAN CONTEXT

by

KHETSEKILE NOMAWETHU GRETTA

Submitted in accordance with the requirements for the degree of

Masters in Philosophy of Education in the

FACULTY OF EDUCATION
at the
UNIVERSITY of SOUTH AFRICA

I
I
Supervisor: Dr Elza Vente. 0001947421
November 2001
1

DISSERTATION FOR NOMAWETHU GRETTA KHETSEKILE

"A CRITICAL ANALYSIS OF MULTICULTURAL EDUCATION

WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO THE VALUES ISSUE IN THE
SOUTH AFRICAN CONTEXT"

EXTRACT OF 150 WORDS

The dissertation is concerned with the values issue in the South African context, a
multicultural education situation. South Africa is a pluralistic society. Being pluralistic,
means that the country is rich in different cultures, belief- and value systems.

Different cultures have different value systems. If an institution is practising

multicultural education, the question is, which values are to be used? If we say the
institution should use the values of the majority culture, will that not disadvantage
minority cultures? If minority cultures are undermined by neglecting their cultures
won't that cause conflict between minority cultures and the majority culture?

Each society that is implementing multicultural education should consider that there
are common human values and particular values. In multicultural education particular
values are important because they show how a particular group behaves and what its
beliefs and culture are. Common values develop from particular values and teachers
must emphasise common values without neglecting particular values, to encourage
tolerance and acceptance between different groups.
2

CONTENTS

CHAPTER 1: Orientation towards the study

1.1 FORMULATION OF THE PROBLEM 6

1.2 AIMS OF THE STUDY 8

1.3 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY 9

1.3.1 Uterature review 9

1.3. 1. 1 Functions of a literature review 10
1.3. 1.2 Sources of a literature review 11
1.3.2 Phenomenological method 13

1.4 EXPLANATION OF CONCEPTS 16

1.4. 1 Culture 16
1.4. 1. 1 Macro-culture 18
1.4. 1.2 Micro-culture 18
1.4. 1.3 Cultural diversity 19
1.4. 1.4 Multiculturalism 19

1.4.2 Values 20
1.4.2. 1 Common/Shared values 21
[Link] Specific/Ethnic values 22

1.4.3 Education 21
[Link] Multicultural education 21
[Link] Values education 24
[Link] Moral education 25

1.4.4 Community 26
1.4.5 Society 26
1.5 STUDY PROGRAMME 27

1.6 CONCLUSION 27

1. 7 BIBLIOGRAPHY 29
Contents 3

CHAPTER 2: Multicultural Education

2.1 INTRODUCTION 33

2.2 EXPLANATION OF CONCEPTS 33

2.2.1 Culture 33
2.2.2 Cultural diversity 35

2.3 THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN CULTURE AND EDUCATION 38

2.4 HISTORY OF MULTICULTURAL EDUCATION 41

2.5 THE NATURE AND CHARACTERISTICS

OF MULTICULTURAL EDUCATION 47

2.6 AIMS OF MULTICULTURAL EDUCATION 49

2.7 CONCLUSION 52

2.8 BIBLIOGRAPHY 53

CHAPTER 3: The need for multicultural education in South Africa

3.1 INTRODUCTION 56

3.2 HISTORY OF EDUCATION IN SOUTH AFRICA (1652-1976) 57

3.3 REACTION TO APARTHEID EDUCATION (1976-1990) 60

3.4 POLICY CHANGES AND EDUCATION AFTER 1994 (POST

APARTHEID ERA) 63

3.5 THE NEED FOR MULTICULTURAL EDUCATION IN

SOUTH AFRICA 64
3.5.1 Social enrichment 65
3.5.2 Diversity in education 66
3.5.3 Equity and equality in education 66
3.5.4 Sodaltransfonnauon 67
3.5.5 Shared/common values 68

3.6 CONCLUSION 68

3.7 BIBLIOGRAPHY 69

CHAPTER 4: Values in multicultural education

4.1 INTRODUCTION 71

4.2 THE RELATIONSHIP BE1WEEN VALUES AND CULTURE 71

4.2.1 The Concept of Culture 72
4.2.2 The Concept of Value 72
4.2.3 Relauonship between values and culture 74

4.3 VALUES IN A PLURAL SOCIETY 75

Contents 4

4.4 RESPONSES TO SHARED/COMMON AND SPECIFIC

VALUES IN PLURALISTIC SOCIETIES 78
4.4. 1 Assimilation 79
4.4.2 Structural pluralism 80
4.4.3 Multiculturalism 81

4.5 AIMS OF MULTICULTURAL EDUCATION CONCERNING

VALUES 82

4.6 CONCLUSION 83

4.7 BIBLIOGRAPHY 85

CHAPTER 5: The issue of values in the South African context

5.1 INTRODUCTION 88

5.2 MULTICULTURAL EDUCATION IN THE 88

SOUTH AFRICAN CONTEXT

5.3 VALUES EDUCATION IN SOUTH AFRICA 92

5.3.2 Specific values 97

5.3.2 Shared values 97

5.4 CONFLICT IN MULTICULTURAL EDUCATION 101

5.5 CONCLUSION 104

5.6 BIBLIOGRAPHY 105

CHAPTER 6: Synthesis and evaluation

6.1 INTRODUCTION 108

6.2 MULTICULTURAL EDUCATION 108

6.3 VALUES AND EDUCATION 110

6.4 THE ISSUE OF VALUES IN MULTICULTURAL EDUCATION IN

SOUTH AFRICA 113

6.5 CRITICISMS OF MULTICULTURAL EDUCATION 115

6.5.1 Advantages of multicultural education in South Africa 114
6.5.2 Disadvantages of multicultural education in South Africa 116

6.6 SUGGESTIONS FOR THE EDUCATIONAL PRACTICE 116

6.7 CONCLUSION 120

6.8 BIBLIOGRAPHY 122

Summary of keywords in the Dissertation 124

Summary of Bibliography 127

5

CHAPTER 1
ORIENTATION TOWARDS THE STUDY

1.1 FORMULATION OF THE PROBLEM 6

1.2 AIMS OF THE STUDY 8

1.3 RESEARCH METHODS 9

1.3.1 Literature review 9
1. 3. 1. 1 Functions of a literature review 10
1.3. 1.2 Sources of a literature review 11

1.3.2 Phenomenological method 13

1.4 EXPLANATION OF CONCEPTS 16

1.4. 1 Culture 16
1.4. 1. 1 Macro-culture 18
[Link] Micro-culture 18
[Link] Cultural diversity 19
1.4. 1.4 Multiculturalism 19

1.4.2 Values 20
[Link] Common/Shared values 21
[Link] Specific values 22

1.4.3 Education 21
[Link] Multicultural education 21
[Link] Values education 24
[Link] Moral education 25
1.4.4 Community 26
1.4.5 Society 26
1.5 STUDY PROGRAMME 27
1.6 CONCLUSION 27
1.7 BIBLIOGRAPHY 29
Orientation towards the study 6

1.1 FORMULATION OF THE PROBLEM

Before 1994 the Republic of South Africa had separate education systems for the
various cultural/ethnic groups. After the South African election in 1994, the education
system changed and public schools in South Africa opened their doors to all learners.

Opening schools to all cultures marked the official start of multicultural education in
public schools in South Africa. The numerous types of multicultural education will be
explained in detail in chapter two and chapter five. In South Africa it is not actually
called "multicultural education", but this broad concept, which encompasses ethnic
studies, multi-ethnic education as well as educating learners from different ethnic
groups in one learning environment, will be used in this study.

Multicultural education should remodel the school environment to include all ethnic
groups. The concept of multicultural education is used in this dissertation because
multicultural education is the application of the education system in such a way that it
will appropriately and in a rightful manner include all racial and cultural groups.
Multicultural education must therefore be regarded as a process that guides the
entire education enterprise (Venter, Woodbridge & Lebeloane, 1997:3).

South Africa is a pluralistic society. This simply means that, like many other countries
including, for example the United States of America, South Africa is composed of
different ethnic cultures.

The ethnic composition of the South African population is extremely complex. The
population comprises of 73% blacks, 3% Indians (or Asians), 8% are coloureds and
16% are whites. The black people can in tum be divided into several ethnic groups,
for example the Xhosas, Sothos and Zulus. Each ethnic group has its own culture. In
the context of multicultural education these groups have to come together and learn
in one environment (Venter, Franzsen & Van Heerden, 2000:197).

To function effectively in a democratic system, cultural differences and value plurality

need to be acknowledged, but somehow South Africans also need to recognise
similarities between cultures. Similarities imply that South Africans have to recognise
common traits in cultures and values. Because of the numerous cultural groups,
adequate cultural interaction becomes very important.
Orientation towards the study 7

These different ethnic groups . should come together and share their beliefs and
ctJitural experiences for a better understanding of each other and for the
development of the country. This coming together and sharing of cultural beliefs is
still a problem in South Africa.

Multicultural education accommodates learners from different cultural backgrounds,

with different beliefs, traditions and behaviours. Different as they may be, each child
has to learn to develop skills and attitudes to understand other learners. Learners
have to learn to respect and communicate with other learners, learn to be tolerant
and to work with others. These learners have to share their problems and
experiences and work towards the betterment of South Africa:

In multicultural societies teachers are faced with the challenge of teaching

increasingly culturally diverse classes. In South Africa such teachers must
understand the mutual interdependence of the members of the class, their roles, and
what is most important to each member (Sellers, 1994:95). Learners should be made
aware of the different cultures at school to be able to get to know and understand
one another.

This study deals mainly with the issue of values in multicultural education in South
Africa. The classroom is a very complex micro-culture, consisting of unique
individuals and a variety of cultures. Each individual brings with him/her a distinct set
of beliefs, values and experiences, which influences the attitudes, behaviours and
perceptions of the classroom as a whole (Venter et al, 1997:73). All cultural values
should be seen as important

Values differ from culture to culture, although all societies share certain essential
values. A lack of knowledge by both teachers and learners of the differences and
similarities in values can give rise to conflict (Venter et al, 1997:4).

The teacher has the important role of bridging possible cultural gaps that may exist.
In order to achieve this, the teacher needs to acquire knowledge of the different
cultures in his/her classroom. He/she has different methods and resources for
obtaining such knowledge, for example by inviting parents to cultural days at the
school, by collecting information about a specific culture, or by arranging workshops
Orientation towards the study 8

for teachers and children to discuss and share their cultures (Venter et al, 1997:74).
Learners can be valuable sources of cultural information in the classroom. They can
share their cultural experiences with the rest of the class, write booklets about their
own cultures and conduct research about their cultures and that of others.

Bridging cultural gaps in the classroom is still a major problem for many teachers.
The teacher's communication style has a definite impact on his/her effectiveness in
teaching a multicultural education class. Without his/her knowledge of the
implications of cultural differences in interaction, the learning success rate could be
very low. Communication that segregates learners and encourages competition
hinders successful teaching and learning in the culturally diverse classroom (Venter
et al, 1997:274).

In the pre-1994 South Africa there existed a tendency for certain cultures to dominate
other cultures, thereby generating conflict in society and in schools. South Africans
should learn to respect each other's cultures and values for the sake of harmony.

The following problems in multicultural education will be discussed throughout the

dissertation.

Which cultures, norms and values are to be used in the learning

environment?
ii If a specific set of values and cultures are used, will that not undermine other
values and cultures?
iii Can an institution really accommodate all cultures and values in the education
system?
iv If the said multicultural education system cannot accommodate all cultures
and values, what should be done?
v What should the role of educators be in multicultural education?

1.2 AIMS OF THE STUDY

1 The aim of this research is to describe both the differences and the
similarities between cultures and their values.
Orientation towards the study 9

2 The study aims at highlighting ideas as to how to create tolerance and

harmony in multicultural schools and to reduce cultural and value conflicts.

3 It emphasises the notion that every South African should consider the
importance of his/her culture and system of values and share cultural
experiences with others for the betterment and development of the country.

4 It strives to draw attention to the notion that South Africans should leam to
share knowledge, skills and values with each other in order to encourage
multicultural co-operation.

1.3 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

The following methods of research were used for this study:

1.3. 1 Literature review

This involves systematic reading, ordering and storing of data. Systematic reading is
concemed with refining the structure of research as well as consulting relevant
literature sources in an efficient and systematic way. Structural refinement and the
literature study occur simultaneously because one depends on the other. The data
collected should be organised systematically and be stored for future reference.
Older works will have to be included because of the need to know what were the
views of people then, and whether the research worked successful then, as well as
the shortfalls of the research (Booyse, 1993:40).

A literature review consists of searching for associations, similarities and differences

in the approaches and statements of various authors, as well as the frames of
reference for their arguments and presuppositions. A literature review will also help
the researcher to study and use the information in the context in which he/she wants
to place it. The researcher should use both primary and secondary sources (Booyse,
1993:40).

The use of primary rather than secondary sources lends more credibility to the
information. One should read without prejudice. The researcher should approach the
Orientation towards the study 10

contents with an open mind, in other words he/she should not look only for those
statements or facts that confirm his/her own opinion while ignoring those that differ
from his/hers (Du Toit & Dedman, 1994:22-25). The researcher should use critical
thinking in dealing with information.

A literature review encourages the researcher to consult the most recent works on a
given topic. Older works have to be included because of the need to consult primary
sources. The research should maintain a healthy balance between journal articles
and books. The researcher should order and store data in an organised manner
(Booyse, 1993:40).

1.3. 1. 1 Functions of a literature review

As mentioned in the above paragraphs on literature review, such reviews help to

build a body of accepted knowledge on a particular topic. A researcher, like his/her
predecessors, has to investigate related literature relevant to the problem.

The literature review, then, is one of the most important research methods and helps
the researcher in the following ways:

1. In defining and limiting the problem

This helps the researcher to focus on the problem by limiting it to a subtopic
within a larger body of previous theory, knowledge, or practice and it is stated in
appropriated terms. So, through a preliminary orienting literature revieW, Ef
researcher will obtain sufficient knowledge to formulate the problem clearly and
unambiguously (Booyse, 1993:113).

2. A void unintentional and unnecessary reflection

Often a researcher believes to have a unique research theme only to find during
a preliminary literature review that a large amount of research has already been
done on the topic. The researcher, however, may deliberately replicate a topic for
verification (McMillan & Schumacher, 1993:114).
Orientation towards the study

3. Determine which research methods, techniques and aids will be most suitable for
the research
The researcher will take note of the methods and techniques used by other
researchers, as well as their successes and failures. Previous investigators
provide a rationale and insight for the research design (Booyse, 1993:42).

4. Relate the findings to previous knowledge and suggest further research

The results of a study are contrasted with those of previous research in order to
state how the study presented additional knowledge. The researcher gains
insight into aspects of the proposed topic that experts regard as controversial or
important. Familiarity with the theories about a certain topic and with completed
research give the researcher an .indication as to how the research results may
later be integrated into existing knowledge about the topic (MacMillan &
Schumacher, 1993:114).

1. 3. 1.2 Sources for a literature review

A review emphasises primary literature, although secondary literature is also useful.

1. Primary literature is original research studies

Bailey (1987:290) refers to primary literature as "primary documents" or
eyewitness accounts written by people who experienced the particular event or
behaviour. An example of a primary document is an autobiography.

Some other examples of primary literature are empirical studies published in

journals, research reports, scholarly monographs and dissertations (McMillan &
Schumacher, 1993:116).

2. Secondary literature is the synthesis of the primary literature, both theoretical and
empirical
Bailey (1987:290) refers to secondary literature as "secondary documents",
produced by people who were not present on the scene and who obtained their
information by interviewing eye witnesses or by reading primary documents. A
biography is an example of secondary literature.
Orientation towards the study 12

A literature review is carried out in sequential steps, which are the following
(according to McMillan & Schumacher, 1993:117):

1. Analyse the problem statement. Concepts used in the problem statement should
be analysed

2. Search for and read secondary literature. A researcher will be able to obtain an
overview of the topic by reading secondary sources.

3. Select the appropriate index for a reference service or database. The number of
indexes used depends on the purpose and scope of the review.

4. Transform the problem statement into research language. The problem statement
is analysed and the concepts are first cross-referenced manually with an index for
a specific reference service to identify the terms most likely to locate the desired
literature. The key words are called "descriptors" or "terms". They constitute the
language used in a manual or computer search.

5. Conduct a manual and/or computer research. The manual and/or computer

search is useful when the researcher is producing a bibliography of the most
relevant sources.

6. Read the pertinent primary literature. A brief analysis of each primary source
relevant to the problem is written on a note card that contains the biographic
citation.

7. Organise notes. Classify cards, then organise the note cards by ideas.

8. Write the review. The review should cite only studies, theories, and practises
relevant to the problem statement.

Literature review is a very important form of research because it enables the

researcher to access wide information on the research topic and then ascertain
subtopics as a point of focus. The literature review enables the reader to gain further
insights from the purpose and the results of a study.
Orientation towards the study 13

1.3.2 Phenomenological method

The dissertation focuses on the concepts of values and culture and their essence in
multicultural education in South Africa.

The phenomenological approach takes reality itself as a starting point. The specific·
reality that is investigated in this case, is the phenomenon of education. The
phenomena in this study are further broken down to multicultural education and the
values issue in the South African educational context.

To start with, it is very. important that a clear definition of phenomenology is given.

The term phenomenology is a compound of two Greek words, phainomai, meaning "I
appear" or "I display myself', and legoo, which means "I speak" or "I make known"
(Booyse, 1993:123). Thus, phenomenology means to speak of the essence of
something. In the case of this dissertation there is a critical analysis of multicultural
education, specifically investigating the issue of values in South African classrooms.

The phenomenological method is a method

• which leads to the true essence of what is still hidden
• which, by addressing, discussing and verbalising, leads to enlight~nment and
understanding
• which, through illuminating revelations, draws essences from the state of
being hidden
• which is sensitive when, within it, cognitive and effective experience form a
unit
(Booyse, 1993:123-1124)

The phenomenological method in the case of this dissertation should be used to

investigate the essence of what is hidden about educating learners from different
ethnic backgrounds in the same institution. The problem of deciding which values to
use in such a multicultural education situation may be sensitive, but it should be
addressed.

The phenomenological method needs someone who allows reality to describe and
interpret itself in the way that reality would do if it were able to do so. The person who
Orientation towards the study 14

does this is called a phenomenologist. The phenomenologist values the following in a

research programme:
• the essence of every step of the programme must be pointed out so that the
purpose of the research essence be achieved
• the phenomenlogist should have a dialogue with other researchers
• the· phenomenologist values the practice of science
• the phenomenologist values the "being-in-the-world" of the researcher which
indicates, inter alia, that he or she possesses experience that cannot be
ignored, but he or she must simultaneously take note of the experience of
other researchers (Booyse, 1993:124-125)

The phenomenologist uses the phenomenological method to reveal the essences of'
reality in order to make reality speak for itself.

Numerous steps apply to research based on the phenomenological approach.

• First step
The researcher must eliminate his prejudices that may obscure the phenomenon he
wants to investigate in order to allow the phenomenon to speak for itself (Franzsen,
Higgs; Reeler; Steyn; Van Heerden, 1988:31). Franszen et al (19~8:31) mentions
distancing oneself, where the researcher has to distance him/herself from the
phenomenon in order to avoid subjective involvement. Distancing oneself means
figurative distance and not necessarily physical separation.

• Second step
The researcher reflects on as wide a variety of educational situations as his/her
experience offers, to isolate, settle on and describe the essential characteristics of
education. In other words the researcher gives a name to what he/she regards as
being absolutely essential. Franzsen et al (1988:31) talk of demarcation where the
researcher's mind should be purged of anything in his/her life-world that may
influence his/her objective observation of a phenomenon, such as a specific
worldview.
Orientation towards the study 15

• Third step
This step involves testing to see whether essential aspects, as identified in step two,
really are essential. The researcher can also try to "act away" essential aspects
he/she has discerned and described.

• Fourth step
The essence of the education phenomenon must be separated from the non-
essentials. In conjunction with step four, Franzsen et al (1988:31) mention eidetic
reduction whereby the researcher has to examine the phenomenon against the
background of reality, but has to disregard the accidental features of that reality and
the specific phenomenon, in order for the true essence of the phenomenon to
emerge.

• Fifth step
The researcher should talk to other pedagogues to establish whether they agree with
the essences that he/she has identified, which cannot be thought or "acted" away.

• Sixth step
One characteristic of scientific practice is that it may never result in final judgements.
All scientific statements should be regarded as preliminary judgements and should
therefore be repeatedly reviewed. Likewise, essences that have been revealed
should from time to time be re-evaluated. An effective method of evaluation may be
to formulate a contradiction to an essence and to test the validity of the contradiction.
If the relevant essence proves to be significant and the contradiction meaningless,
the essence should be accepted as valid and the contradiction be rejected. The
researcher has to enter into an epistemological relation with the phenomenon and
study it against the background of reality.

• Seventh step
The researcher must now critically examine the conceptual formulations (titles)
he/she has devised for the essences. Here the~ concepts used should be
unambiguous and the meanings of various concepts should be given.

• Eighth step
The researcher must ascertain whether the essences are related to each other and
whether one essence is a prerequisite for the realisation of other essences.
Orientation towards the study 16

• Ninth step
Eventually the researcher should reconsider the specific doctrine to which he/she
subscribes, on the basis of predominantly valid essences of education.

The phenomenological approach is a simple approach where the phenomenologist

allows reality to describe itself. This method shows reality as its true or essential self.
Phenomenology is a combination of "phenomena" (I show myself) and "lego" (I
speak, I let myself be heard). The intention is therefore to let the essence of the
phenomenon speak for itself (Franzen et al. 1988:29-30).

1.4 EXPLANATION OF CONCEPTS

Before proceeding with the discussion, it is essential to explain certain concepts that
will be used in the following chapters.

1.4. 1 Culture

Culture is an extremely complex concept. Many authors have tried to define it. Some
meanings are related whilst others differ.

Barry and Bull (1992:43) define culture as being "related to the very meaning of a
person's life, what one considers to be the purpose of living, that someone's culture
is intimately connected with his or her identity, how one understands the world and
one's place in it, that culture organises a person's goals and activities in life".

A person attaches meaning to whatever he/she comes across in his/her life based on
both his/her thoughts and his/her culture.

Hernandez (1989:20) defines culture as "a dynamic, creative and continuous

substance learned and shared by people that guides them in their struggle for
survival and gives meaning to their lives".

Similarly to Hernandez (1989:20), Modgil, Gajendra, Verma, Mallick & Modgil

(1986:7) define culture as not being a static entity. A culture is dynamic and it
Orientation towards the study 17

changes over time. Culture is not objective, and any description of it must allow for
the way in which it is perceived by the individuals living in that particular culture.

Besides the fact that man acquires meaning and understanding from his own culture,
culture also assigns what man takes or considers as important in life. Cultures are
learned. Individuals learn a certain culture and that culture is then transferred from
one generation to another. Each ethnic group has its own culture. However, certain
elements are common to more than one group.

The following definition of culture by Cassara (1990:17) correlates somehow with the
definition by Hernandez:

The culture of a society consists of the standards ... with which its members
assign meaning, value, and significance to things, events, and behaviours.
These standards ... have been established because they enable the members
of that society to deal with the needs and problems that arise oUt of their
environment and in association with others.

Every culture has norms of behaviour whereby individuals measure their own
behaviours. It is expected that every member of a particular cultural group should
adhere to and operate within the relevant and expected cultural norms.

Tlhagale (1983:113) mentions that culture enhances a mode of inhibiting the earth; it
provides diverse groups of people with specific landmarks which are readily
recognisable and which generate a sense of belonging. It sets the stage for
meaningful human relationships and provides a framework within which these are
engendered.

Different cultural groups have their own way of living on earth. However, they have to
establish common ties with other groups in order to live with them harmoniously in
one society/country.

According to Davis (1965:3-4) "culture embraces all modes of thought and behaviour
that are handed down by communicative interaction, i.e. by symbolic transmission
rather than by generic inheritance. It is what we leam from others through speech,
gesture, and example, as opposed to what we acquire through heredity".
Orientation towards the study 18

Taylor (1971 :1) defines culture as "that complex whole which includes knowledge,
belief, art, law, morals, customs, and any other capabilities and habits acquired by
man as a member of societ}l'.

Lastly, Codrington (1985:53) summarises culture as an all-embracing pattern of living

which is established in a human being as a result of the influences brought to bear on
his life through living in a specific social, ethnic, religious and geographical milieu.

The above definitions suggest that culture is acquired through interaction with other
human beings. Culture can be acquired through knowledge, beliefs, skills, values,
attitudes and traditions. Whatever a person has acquired must give meaning and
direction to his life.

Culture is in us and around us, just like the air we breathe. It is personal, familiar,
communal, institutional and societal in its scope and distribution. Yet culture is a
notion that is often difficult to grasp. As we learn and use culture in daily life, it
becomes habitual. Our habits become, for the most part, invisible to ourselves.
Culture therefore shifts in and out of our reflective awareness. Culture is a product of
human creativity in action, which, once we have it, enables us to extend our activity
still further. In the sense that culture is entirely the product of human activity, an
artefact, it is not the air we breathe (Banks, 1989:33).

1. 4. 1. 1 Macro-culture

Macro-culture is the core culture in a culturally diverse geographical space. It is the

dominant culture of a nation, which is shared to some degree by all inhabitants. The
core culture consists of a shared set of values and symbols. All the diverse cultural
and ethnic groups to some extent share this core culture (Venter et al, 1997:34).

1. 4. 1.2 Micro-culture

Micro-culture refers to the smaller cultures, which are part of the core culture. Micro-
culture refers to a social group that shares important characteristics, values and
Orientation towards the study 19

behaviours. An individual may belong to several micro-cultures (Venter et al,

1997:34).

Every individual in any environment belongs to various micro-cultures. Examples

include the working environment with its small cultures, certain family groups, clubs
and religious groups.

1.4. 1.3 Cultural diversity

As the name suggests cultural diversity exists in a plural society because many
cultures exist in such a society. South Africa is such a plural society. Cultural
diversity indicates that the members of a plural society come from many different
cultural backgrounds.

Diversity asserts that school systems ought to, within appropriate and justifiable
limits, tolerate, accept, respect, search for and promote diversity.

Cultural diversity, as explained by Lynch (1989:5), is used to describe the presence

within one geographical area of a number of different cultural, linguistic, ethnic or
racial groups. It is a descriptive term for the phenomenon of many cultures co-
existing and interacting within the same spatial area.

Cultural diversity, therefore, is the exposure of society members to many cultures. By

accepting cultural diversity, members of a society are culturally enriched and able to
adapt to and work effectively with others.

According to the explanation given by Sellers (1994:28), "cultural diversity holds that
the groups' codes, lifestyles . . . are not entirely identical in what they comment and
condemn." One ethnic group may therefore commend something that might be
condemned in another culture.

1.4. 1.4 Multiculturalism

Multiculturalism recognises the existence of diverse cultures in one country. It does

not simply mean a numerical plurality of different cultures, but rather a community
which is creating, guaranteeing, and encouraging spaces to enable different
Orientation towards the study 20

communities to grow at their own pace. At the same time, it also means the creation
of a public space enabling these communities to interact, enrich the existing culture
and create a consensual culture that reflects their own identity (Aronowitz & Giroux
1993:207).

Multiculturalism is the preparation for the social, political and economic realities that
individuals experience in culturally diverse and complex human encounters.

1.4.2 Values

Before defining values, it is important to indicate that human values are values that
shape events on earth. Authors have different views on the issue of values, but they
practically all agree that values are forces that drive each community to act in a
certain manner. Badenhorst (1993:397) sees values as having "... a compelling
character, they drive the members of a community to live according to certain
principleS'.

According to Garforth (1985:54) values determine purpose and policy; they give
direction to and motivate human activity; they serve as criteria for judgement,
whereby we assess the comparative worth of experiences which, when generalised
into rules of behaviour, constitute the moral principles or premises of ethical
decisions.

Sellers (1994:22) is of the opinion that values are cultivated traits of character, which
inter alia motivate the members of a community to head in certain directions and to
guide their behaviour. Values refer to something that is worth striving for. It is that
feature of present reality which summons the person to action, and which is
expressed when a person says that the reality in question is worthwhile.

Goule (1976:3) refers to values as attitudes, preferences, lifestyles, normative

frameworks, symbolic universes, belief systems, and networks of meaning assigned
to life.

The above authors convey that a value refers to that which is worthwhile and which
one should strive for. "Value" is the specific significance that something has for man.
Orientation towards the study 21

"Value" always expresses the relation between a human being and an object or
his/her attitude to a given matter (Van Rensburg & Landman, 1988:507).

Lastly, values originate from cultures and differ from community to community and
from culture to culture.

1.4.2. 1 Common/Shared values

These values are shared by communities and govern the larger society.
Shared/common values are those with which all groups agree spontaneously
(Leicester & Taylor, 1992:31).

Common/shared values should enable ethnic groups to perceive themselves as

legitimate groups or structures woven into the fabric of the social, economic and
political institutions of society (Banks, 1988:137).

Shared values should clearly reflect the reality of a particular society. They should
govern every member of society who, in tum, is then expected to participate fully in
shaping his/her society within a framework of commonly accepted values and
practices.

[Link] Specific values

Banks (1988:75-76) explains specific values as those values that make one person
feel different from the next. These values are unique or individual values. Specific
values are the most important elements of micro-cultures. These values influence
behaviour and also how people perceive their environment.

Specific values are very important because they are complex; they are observable in
behaviour and they serve as the guiding principle in a specific person's group or
groups.

1.4.3 Education
Orientation towards the study 22

Before considering various authors' views regarding education, in this dissertation

education includes the guiding, moulding, inculcating of values and morals, and
character building by an adult to a person who is not yet an adult. This view does not
try to overlook the fact that adults are being educated, be it by fellow adults and
others much younger than themselves. This view should not be confused with
schooling. Education is a lifelong process. In this context, however, the emphasis
falls on education in schools. According to Bhikhu Parekh in Modgil et al (1986:19)
education seeks to achieve the following objectives:

• to cultivate such human capacities as critical reflection, imagination, self-criticism,

the ability to reason, argue, weigh up evidence and to form an independent
judgement of one's own;
• to foster intellectual and moral qualities such as the love of truth, openness to the
world, objectivity, intellectual curiosity, humility, healthy scepticism about all
claims to finality and respect and concern for others;
• to familiarise the pupil with the great intellectual, moral, religious, literary and
other achievements of the human spirit.

This dissertation will not at this stage dwell much on the concept of education, as it
will be explained throughout the entire dissertation.

Griessel et al (1989:16) defines education as a conscious and purposeful intervention

by an adult in the life of a non-adult in order to make him/her independent. Education
is a deliberate, systematic and responsible intervention by an adult to a child.

1.4.3. 1 Multicultural Education

Various authors view this concept differently.

According to Squelch in Lemmer & Dekker (1993:35) multicultural education is a

multiple education programme providing multiple learning environments that match
the needs of learners. It is an intervention and an on-going assessment that helps
institutions and individuals become more responsive to the human condition,
individual cultural integrity, and cultural pluralism in society.·
Orientation towards the study 23

Baptise (1979:15) define multicultural education as the "transference of the

recognition of a pluralistic society into a system of education".

Multicultural education implies the presence of learners from different cultural

heritages learning together in the same classroom, being exposed to the cultures of
others while also enjoying the nature of their own cultur~s. In multicultural
classrooms the multiplicity of cultures are accepted as valuable educational
resources. Although participants are more or less inevitably assimilated into the
"mainstream" culture, the cultural heritages of constituent minorities are consciously
valued and secured. In South Africa we have for years separated our youth on racial
lines while declaring that cultural differences provide a primary motivation for the
policy (Coutts, 1990: 5-10).

Multicultural education, as it is usually described in education literature, essentially

implies the presence of children drawn from different racial, cultural and socio-
economic backgrounds learning together in the same classroom. It tends to be
characterised by a non-racial or anti-racist stance on the part of teaching staff. It
encompasses a policy of systematically exposing pupils to a variety of cultural
heritages in an endeavour to offer a broad general education while fostering
tolerance and empathy (Tidbury, 1992: 12-15).

Banks and Lynch (1986:201) describe multicultural education as a reform movement

that attempts to change schools so that all students from all groups have an equal
opportunity to team;

Multicultural education tries appropriately and rightfully to accommodate all racial and
cultural groups, and to bring different cultures together so that each cultural group
can learn and benefit from other cultures. Multicultural education tries to integrate
different cultures and different value systems into the school system, and to eliminate
discrimination.

The above definition clearly points out that the multiple learning environments
provided by multicultural education aim at imparting the necessary knowledge and
skills to learners. Armed with the knowledge and skills from a multicultural society,
the Ieamer in such a multicultural society will be able to move towards greater
equality and freedom (Dekker & Lemmer, 1993:35).
Orientation towards the study 24

Multicultural education could include, but not be limited to, experiences which:
• promote analytical and evaluative abilities to confront issues such as participatory
democracy, racism and sexism and the parity of power;
• develop skills for values clarification including the study of the manifest and latent
transmission of values;
• examine the dynamics of diverse cultures and the implications for developing
teaching strategies;
• examine linguistics variations and diverse learning styles as a basis for the
development of appropriate teaching strategies
(Modgil et al, 1986:5)

[Link] Values education

This is education about values which are personal as well as those values that are
common to human being hense there are particular values as well as
common/shared values.

No firm or systematic distinction is made between the two terms "moral education"
and ''values education" in actual usage. The tendency is for ''values education" to be
the broader notion, recognising the ways in which values are involved in issues such
as personal lifestyle, religion, citizenship, politics and the environment. To some
people, the term "values education" might seem equivalent to the transmission of
values (Haydon, 1997:119).

Values education is very important in a multicultural society if it is taken as the

sharing of values and educating of learners about the role of values in education.

Values education has the following objectives:

• personal integrity and honesty rooted in respect for the truth, intellectual curiosity,
and love for learning;
• a sense of duty to self, family, school and community;
• self-esteem rooted in the recognition of one's potential;
Orientation towards the study 25

• respect for the rights of all persons regardless of race, religion, sex, age, physical
condition, or mental state;
• a recognition of the right of others to hold and express differing views, combined
with the capacity to make discriminating judgements among competitive opinions;
• a sense of discipline and pride in one's work; respect for the achievements of
others;
• courage to express one's conditions.
(Pritchard, 1988:472)

Kirschenbaum (1995:14) explains that values education refers to a conscious attempt

to help others acquire the knowledge, skills, attitudes and values that contribute
towards more personally satisfying and socially constructed lives. A Ieamer learns to
behave in a socially accepted manner because of personal and shared values. The
school context therefore helps the Ieamer to develop skills enabling himJher to live a
meaningful life in a multicultural society.

Values play an important role in gaining stability because they act as stabilising
forces in person's behaviour (Badenhorst, 1993:401).

Values education aims at preparing students for the future because values are
lasting and form one's view of life. Learners are prepared to gain knowledge and
acquire skills that will enable them to become responsible future citizens. Values
education will encourage and motivate students to accept and tolerate different
situations, and to leam to work with others.

The above explanations indicate that values education prepares learners morally and
spiritually. Students must be made aware of perceiving themselves as valuable
beings, appreciating others and participating in and contributing towards the welfare
of their society.

[Link] Moral education

Before defining moral education, we first need to look at the concept of morals.
Morals are a set if value judgements and norms used as frameworks for human
actions. Morals cover behaviour towards· fellow men, nature, God and the individual
himself/herself (Barnard, Van Niekerk, Van Heerden & Van Niekerk, 1997:34).
Orientation towards the study 26

Moral education is a form of education in which good character is central. Character

education, however, implies that certain specific moral claims are indeed genuine,
and that teachers can therefore judge and point out whether a given moral belief is
right or wrong. Acquiring this moral knowledge is considered a legitimate part of a
complete education, as it is essential to the leading of a meaningful life (Pritchard,
1988:470).

Moral education is very important in education because it develops self-discipline,

respect and hard work within the Ieamer.

1.4.4 Community

Community refers to functionally related aggregates of people who live in a particular

geographic area at a particular time, form a social structure and exhibit an awareness
of their distinctiveness and own identity as a group (Vander Merwe, 1984:63).

Community in this dissertation refers to a group of people living in one place with
common interests or origins.

Arthur (1988:136) refers to a community as a settlement of people concentrated in

one geographical area. The defining feature of a community is a "self consciousness"
that each member possess, of the fact that the group is a social unit and tliat he or
she shares group identification with the others.

1.4.5 Society

Society means a broad grouping of human beings with characteristic social

relationships, distinct institutions and collective activities and interests (Van der
Merwe, 1984:99).

Arthur (1988:710) refers to society as inclusive of all mankind taken as a whole. He

sees it as a collection of persons with
(a) a recognised set of norms, values, roles and institutions which form the basis
of a common culture;
Orientation towards the study 27

(b) a relatively well-circumscribed geographical region which they populate;

(c) a sense of unity; and
(d) a feeling of belonging or relatedness to those cultural norms and standards.

In the following chapters this dissertation will refer to the South African society, with
its people who share a feeling of belonging or relatedness to cultural norms and
standards.

1.5 STUDY PROGRAMME

South Africa is a nation of many cultures. It is important to consider different cultures

and how the concept of cultural diversity features in multicultural education. The
issue of different cultures in an institution needs to be addressed to avoid ignoring
some cultures.

Besides the issue of culture, there is a great need to address the values issue in
multicultural education in South Africa. In multicultural situations people need to
recognise common values. The world is a global village and this awareness forces us
to respect and understand other people's cultures. Such an understanding and
respect for other cultures are not inborn attitudes; they are learned at school through
multicultural education.

Chapter 2 of this dissertation focuses on the concepts of culture and cultural

diversity. The relationship between culture and education will also be discussed
because in order to be effective educators of culturally diverse classes, we need to
know more about our learners. In order to know every Ieamer, the educator must be
familiar with the Ieamer's cultural background and heritage so that this knowledge
can be incorporated into education and teaching.

Chapter 2 also discusses the history, nature, aims and characteristics of multicultural
education.

Chapter 3 addresses the need for multicultural education in South Africa.

Chapter 4 focuses on values in multicultural education and discusses the

relationship between values and culture.
CHAPTER1 28
Orientation towards the study

Chapter 5 concentrates on the values issue in the South African context. The type of
multicultural education appropriate for South Africa is also discussed.

Chapter 6 gives a synthesis and application of the values issue while addressing the
advantages and disadvantages of multicultural education.

1.6 CONCLUSION

The entire dissertation will focus on the issue of values in a multicultural society. The
focus will be on South Africa, because it is a plural society.

In the past, structural pluralism or separatism has been one of the main elements in
the education system of South Africa.

Schools have been supporting and legitimising the values of the dominant group.
Conformity to and the continuity of the ideologies and culture of the dominant group
were more important than social change (Leicester et at, 2000:195).

Many changes took place in South Africa throughout the years, also in the education
system. South Africa became an integrated nation, having to work together towards a
better future for everyone. The success of these changes depends to a great extent
on the people of South Africa, especially the children. The schools, thus, have an
important place in preparing children for their own futures in a changed South Africa.
CHAPTER1: 29
Bibliography

1.7 BIBLIOGRAPHY

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education and culture series, edited by H.A. Giroux & P. Freire. Westport,
Connecticut: Bergin & Garvey.

Arthur, S.R.1988. Dictionary of Psychology. England: Penguin Books.

Badenhorst, D.C. 1993. Education for social change: In: Critical Issues in modem
education.:. Edited by Dekker, E. I. & Lemmer, E.M. Durban: Butterworths.

Bailey, K.D. 1987. Methods of Social Research. Third Edition. New York, London. A
Division of MacMillan Publishers, Collier MacMillan Publishers.

Banks, J.A. 1988. Multi-ethnic education. Theory and practice - Second Edition:
Boston: AUyn and Bacon, Inc.

Banks, J.A. & Lynch, J. 1989. Multicultural education: Issues and perspectives,
Boston: Allyn and Bacon.

Baptise, H. 1979. Multicutural Education: A Synopsis. Washington D.C.: University

Press.

Barnard, F., & Van Niekerk, S.L.H. & Van Heerden, E.L. & Van Niekerk, E.J. 1997.
Values in education. A study Guide for EDA 302-A. Pretoria: UNISA.

Barnard, F. & Woodbridge, N.B. 1990. Values education: highly suspect or highly
significant?. Educare, vol19(1) + 19(2) p.182.

Barry, L. & Bull, R.T. 1992. The ethnic of multicultural and bilingual education. New
York: Teachers College Press.

Bhikhu, P., 1986. Multicultural Education. The Interminable debate. Edited by:
Modgil, S.; Gajendra, K.; Verma, S.; Mallick, K & Modgil, C. London and Philadelphia:
The Falmer Press.

Booyse, J.J. 1993. Literature review: The only study guide for ONA411-T. Pretoria:
University of South Africa.

Cassara, B. B. 1990. Adult education in a multicultural society. London and New

York: Routledge.

Codrington, R.G. 1985. A pedagogical evaluation of multicultural christian education

at Bible colleges in South Africa. Thesis {[Link]) UNISA: Pretoria.

Coutts, A. 1990. The multicultural school. A possible alternative for South Africa.
Mentor. Vol72(4) p.5-10.

Davis, K. 1965. Human Society. New York: The Macmillan Company.

Dekker, E.l. & Lemmer, E.M. 1993. Critical Issues in Modem Education.
Butterworths: Durban.

Du Toit, L & Dednam, D. 1994. A research Guide for Students. Pretoria: UNISA.
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Franzsen, K., Higgs, P., Reeler, G., Steyn, W., VanHeerden, E.L. 1988. The reality
of educational and pedagogics as a science. Edu 301-S. Pretoria: University of South
Africa.

Garforth, F.W. 1985. Aims. values and Education. Hull: Christygate.

Goule. T. 1996. Tutorial letter for Comparative and lntemational Education. OVO
421-E. Pretoria: Unisa.

Griessel, G.A.J., Louw, G.J.J, Swart C.A. 1989. Principles of educative teaching.
Pretoria: Acacia Books.

Gunter, C.F.G.1981. Aspects of educational theorv. Stellenbosch/Grahamstown:

University Publishers & Book sellers {Pty) Ltd.

Haydon, G. 1997. Teaching about values: A new approach. Cassel Studies in

pastoral care and personal and social education. New York: Cassell.

Hernandez, H. 1989. Multicultural education. A teachers' guide to content and

process. Columbus: Merril Publishing Company.

Kirschenbaum, H. 1995. 100 ways to enchance values and morality in schools and
youth settings. Boston: Allyn and Bacon.

Leicester, M., & Taylor, M.J. 1992. Ethnics. ethnicity and education. London: Kogan
Page.

Leicester, M., Modgil, C. and Modgil, S. 2000. Systems of Education: Theories.

policies and implicit values. Volume 1. London: Falmer Press.

Lemmer, E.M. & Squelch, J. 1993. Multicultural education- A teachers' manual.

Halfway House: Southem Book Publishers.

Lynch, J. 1989. Multicultural Education in a Global Society. London, New York: The
Falmer Press.

MacMillan, J. H. & Schumacher, S. 1992. Research in Education: A conceptual

Introduction. New York: Harper Collins College Publishers.

Pritchard, I. 1988. Character Education: Research Prospects and Problems.

American Joumal of Education. Vol96(4) August, p.472.

Squelch, J. 1993. Towards a multicultural approach to education in South Africa.

The black child in crisis- A socio-educational perspective. Volume 1. Edited by J. le
Roux, Pretoria: Van Schaik.

Sellers, M.N.S. 1994. An Ethical education: community and morality in the

multicultural university. Oxford: Berg.

Taylor, E.B. 1971. Primitive culture-researchers into the development of mythology,

philosophy, religion. language art and custom. London: John Murray.

Tidbury, J. 1992. Teaching values in a changing society. Mentor. Vol74(1) p.12-15.

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Tlhagale, B. 1983. Transracial communication. Missionalia. South African

Missiological Society. Volume XI (3), p.113.

Van Rensburg, C.J.J. & Landman, W.A 1988. Notes on Fundamental Pedagogic
Concepts. An introductory orientation. Pretoria: N.G. Kerkboekhandel Edms. Bpk.

Venter, E., Woodbridge, N.B., Lebeloane, L.D.M. 1997. Multicultural education.

Department of secondary education. Pretoria: University of South Africa.

Venter, E., Franzsen. K. & van Heerden, E. 2000. An analysis of the effect of recent
national Policy. Changes on values and Education in SA. Pretoria: UNISA

Van der Merwe C.V. 1984. Defining Social Work dictionary. Pretoria: Government
Printer.
CHAPTER2
MULTICULTURAL EDUCATION

2.1 INTRODUCTION 33

2.2 EXPLANATION OF CONCEPTS 33

2.2.1 Culture 33
2.2.2 Cultural diversity 35

2.3 THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN CULTURE AND EDUCATION 38

2.4 HISTORY OF MULTICULTURAL EDUCATION 41

2.5 THE NATURE AND CHARACTERISTICS

OF MULTICULTURAL EDUCATION 47

2.6 AIMS OF MULTICULTURAL EDUCATION 49

2.7 CONCLUSION 52

2.8 BIBLIOGRAPHY 53
Chapter2:
Multicultural education 33

2.1 INTRODUCTION

This chapter focuses on the development of multicultural education in the global

context Culture as explained in chapter 1 is a very complex concept. Many people
tend to simplify the meaning of the word by using it only to describe material goods
and artefacts of a certain group of people, the food they eat or the way they dress.

A society with cultural diversity calls for the accommodation of all the cultures in that
society within the context of the dassroom. Culture and education should not be
treated as separate entities. Learners should be made aware of their own cultures
and of the need to get to know their own culture and that of others in the school.
Learners should be proud of their cultural backgrounds, because if one is aware of
where one is coming from, it becomes easy to know where one is going to.

This chapter will focus on the development of multicultural education in its global
context and chapter 3 will specifically examine multicultural education in South Africa,
a country of many nations and cultures.

2.2 EXPLANATION OF CONCEPTS

2.2.1 Culture

The concept "culture" is very complex, as is evident from the vast number of
definitions, from various perspectives, which have been subjected to a great deal of
debate. As a starting point, a few definitions by various authors will be added to those
discussed in chapter 1.

The concept of culture includes the specific society's values systems, ideologies and
social codes of behaviour, productive technologies and modes of consumption,
religious dogmas, myths, taboos as well as- social structure, political system and
decision-making processes. A society's culture is expressed in many forms- in its
literature, art, architecture, dress, food and modes of entertainment - but language
and education are central to its identity and survival (Coombs 1985:244).
Chapter2:
Multicultural education 34

Culture is the way in which each person assigns meaning and significance to life.
Culture enables an individual to consider the purpose of being on earth and how one
develops self-identity (Barry & Bull, 1992:43).

Culture has its own universal characteristics:

• language and communication, including signs, symbols, and verbal and non-
verbal messages;
• a social structure that includes family or kinship systems, age sets and the
accompanying rites of passage, territorial groupings, and systems of rank and
stratification;
• an economic system that provides for the distribution of goods and services to
meet biological and social needs;
• a political system or some form of government for implementing public policies,
assigning power and responsibility, keeping order and settling disputes;
• a religious system that includes explanations of the supernatural values and
world view;
• enculturation, or systematic ways of teaching people the accepted standards for
perceiving, evaluating, behaving, and doing (Bennett, 1986:7-8).

Culture is a way of controlling behaviour, as it is the source of standards and norms

that govern each individual in a group/groups (Cassara, 1990:17).

Lemmer and Squelch (1993:11) explain culture(s) in the following way:

• Cultures are processes of social and human interactions.

• Cultures are dynamic, creative and continuous processes.
• Cultures are created by people.
• Cultures are continuously modified with time.
• Every culture has its own system of values, beliefs, nonns and attitudes.
• All cultures have material artefacts.
• Cultures have unique verbal and non-verbal patterns of communication.
• Cultures are shared and learned.
• Cultures influence the way people think, feel and behave.
Chapter2:
Multicultural education 35

The above extract gives an indication of the complexity of the concept of culture.
Culture is composed of various interrelated factors, which have significance for
teaching and teaming. Learners are exposed to various values and beliefs in a
multicultural situation. These in tum could bring about a change in attitudes.
Multicultural education shoulders the responsibility of teaching learners that cultures
and values are learned, shared and modified with time.

Some authors (Venter et al, 1997:33; Lemmer & Squelch, 1993:11) are trying to say
that in different groups with different cultural identities multicultural education should
be integrated in the classroom, but they also wam that each group should maintain
its own identity. Multicultural education should therefore reflect the ethnic and cultural
diversity of a society, enabling the children from various groups to team to
understand one another, and to work together as a group.

Different ethnic groups should be taught group and cultural tolerance, respect and
mutual understanding. If cultural awareness is instilled through multicultural
education, cultural integration could spread to other spheres of life.

South Africa is a country of great cultural diversity. It is composed of different races,

social classes and ethnic groups. If learners in multicultural education can be taught
to assign meaning and value and to give significance to their own culture and that of
ottiers, harmony and respect could be achieved.

The concept of cultural diversity should encourage learners to associate with different
cultural groups, while appreciating their own culture.

2.2.2 Cultural diversity

Before dwelling on cultural diversity it is important to also note what diversity entails.
Diversity advocates two attitudes and two kinds of action:
• toleration of diversity;
• acceptance of or respect for diversity;
• a search for appropriate diversity;
• active promotion of certain kinds of diversity
(Daniels, 1993:65-76)
Chapter2:
Multicultural education 36

The appropriate kind of diversity to be dealt with in this section is cultural diversity.

Cultural diversity points to the many cultural backgrounds of the members of a

society. South Africa is an example of such a pluralistic society. Cultural diversity
should indicate an ideal state of society in which diverse racial and ethnic groups co-
exist with mutual respect and equal rights, even as they preserve and pursue their
own cultural traditions (Suzuki, 1991:30-34).

As mentioned in chapter 1, South Africa is a country of many peoples, cultures and

value systems. South Africa is characterised by diverse races, religions, heritages
and ideologies. The ethnic composition of the country is also extremely complex.
Each of these groups has its own origin, traditions, religion, history and a specific
philosophy of life based on a certain world-picture and view of life.

South Africa has always experienced many cultural problems. In multicultural

education there therefore has to be a focus on common/shared traits in cultures as
well as particular eultures in order to avoid cultural conflicts.

Cultural diversity is an indication that a group's lifestyle and how that group behaves
can also be similar to other groups' mode of conduct and behaviour (Sellers
1994:28). This means that a group can also be affected by other cultures whilst
practising its .own culture, especially by the cultures of the neighbouring groups.
Cultural diversity means that different groups can share certain modes of behaviour.

Cassara (1990:18) claims that "cultural diversity is enriching in that human life
becomes more interesting, stimulating, and even exciting, when there are many
varied ways of thinking, feeling, expressing, acting and viewing the world'.

Each group in a culturally diverse society has its own culture, norms, standards and
values, although it exists with other groups in one geographical, economical and
social environment. These cultural groups should be familiar with each other's
values, cultures and aspirations. The understanding between different cultural groups
will hopefully create mutual respect and harmony.
Chapter2:
Multicultural education 37

Lynch (1989:7) clearly states that, although there may be cultural pluralism among
groups, they do interact and exchange cultures with others to secure their own
survival.

Furthermore, Lynch (1989:8) suggests that "when we speak of cultural pluralism,

globally, we are speaking of the extent of openness of structural dimension of society
to alternative values and normS'.

In a culturally diverse society, similarities could exist. One group's mode of conduct
and behaviour could show some similarities to other's. Various groups can also be
affected by other cultures in the same society.

In a pluralistic society such as South Africa, unity within diversity is important. This
unity within cultural diversity is evidenced by Cassara (1990:12) who states that "no
single group would dominate the rest and all would function as partially integrated
entities ... within the boundaries of a common national aspiration and spirit'.

Though cultures and values differ, there are common traits in values and cultures.
Through multicultural education, a common understanding of cultures and values
could be developed. In a multicultural classroom the starting point should be on the
value of respect, whereby learners would be encouraged to respect their own and
other cultures.

Lynch (1989:10) summarises cultural diversity as "the achievement of social justice in

the form of equality of educational opportunity for all regardless of sex, race, creed or
ethnicity. The propagation of a sense of shared values, rights and access, to practical
power and legitimate economic satisfaction".

In a culturally diversified society people and their ways of living should not be judged
as good or bad, but be accepted as normal examples of the diversity that is present
in human beings. Since the intention in a multicultural society is to promote cultural
reciprocity, teachers should develop in themselves and in pupils the view that
judgements of worth are inappropriate in most cases.

Saunders (1982:120) has suggested guidelines for selecting curriculum content to

stimulate an awareness of cultural diversity. He clearly states that when establishing
Chapter2:
Multicultural education 38

a multicultural bias to the curriculum, one must keep in mind that old habits die hard.
These are his guidelines:

• when topics of national or global significance are considered, the perspectives of

other national or ethnic groups should be examined;
• accurate and up-to-date information should be supplied about the ways of life of
other people;
• negative stereotypes should be avoided. This is frequently achieved by referring
to individual representatives of ethnic groups, although this carries with it the risk
of distortion through the presentation of a notable, rather than a typical, example
of the group;
• the distortion attendant and illustrating differences between ethnic groups should
be avoided by pointing to similarities across groups whenever possible;
• exploring cultural diversity - opening up choices for pupils of all ethnic groups and
enhancing the self-esteem of minority group pupils- demand relevant curriculum
content, teaching methods that encourage discussion and the modelling of
appropriate behaviour;
• many of the activities in multicultural education can be used to exploit the
experiences ofindividual pupils in other areas of the curriculum, but for example
in mathematics and science, a common base of shared experiences may be
necessary.

2.3 THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN CULTURE AND EDUCATION

According to Gunter (1981:12) "education is a deliberate, purposive, systematic and

responsible intervention in the situation of a child by an adult assisting the child on
his way to adulthood in the true sense, which is worthy of a human being, as the
goar.

Griessel (1989:16) also defines education as an educative action where the educator
starts to act intentionally in a specific situation. Through his words and actions the
educator wishes to establish certain commendable actions of the child and thus
equip him/her for adulthood using encouragement, praise and reward.
Chapter2:
· Multicultural education 39

Foster (1981 :29) describes education as the practice of the purposive intervention of
the adult in the life of the child, aimed at bringing him to full actualisation as an adult
O'Connor (1969:5) refers to education as:

• "a set of techniques for imparting knowledge, skills and attitudes;

• a set of theories which support, explain or justify the use of these techniques;
• a set of values or ideas embodied and expressed in the purpose for which
knowledge, skills and attitudes are imparted. These direct the amount and type of
training".

Before discussing culture and education it is important to note that education as

described by tpe above authors is generally considered as an activity whereby an
adult acts responsibly, and intervenes in the life of a child to enable the child to
develop as an adult.

There is also a difference of conception. One pdint of view is by Gunter (1981),

Griessel (1989) and Foster (1969), and another is by O'Conner (1969). The first three
authors describe education as purposive intervention to assist the child to adulthood.
O'Connor goes even further by describing education as the method of importing
knowledge, skills, values and attitudes. The techniques and theories will direct the
amount of education needed per individual.

According to Kammen (1995:17) culture and education "are part of refinement of

mind, morals or taste, enlightenment, and that a cultural person should be educated
and be refined.

Culture is seen as the ever-changing values, traditions, social and political

relationships, and world-view of a group of people united by a combination of factors
that may include a common history, geographic location, language, social class
and/or religion.

Through education adults guide, mould and refine the behaviour of a child. Education
is the intentional, purposive deliberate, conscious intervention by an adult in the life
of a child. In tum, culture moulds and influences the behaviour of the child, and
changes a person's attitudes.
Chapter2:
Multicultural education 40

People acquire education not merely by attending school, but also by experiencing
life. They learn through direct experience, imitation, and self-teaching. They learn
from parents and friends, from institutions such as churches and libraries, from
recreational and social agencies such as clubs, and from the media.

Education and culture are separate but related concepts. An educational system
does not exist in a historical and social vacuum. It is an integral part of a specific
social structure by which it is profoundly shaped. A social structure, further, is not a
homogenous whole, but composed of different classes, religions and communities. If
it is to endure, it must develop a common public culture, that is, a generally shared
body of values, beliefs, attitudes and assumptions about man and society (Modgil et
al, 1986:20).

The educational system disseminates the dominant culture among the young and
ensures its preservation and reproduction across the generations. Its structure,
organisation, ethos, pedagogical techniques, views on knowledge and teaching, are
profoundly shaped by the dominant culture (Modgil et al, 1986:20).

The school, in other words, becomes a place where culture is disseminated to

generations. Education is not culturally neutral.

Culture and education are related. Education is influenced and shaped by culture.
Education is also a powerful agent for cultural transmission and preservation.

In the past, education in South Africa was primarily responsible for transmitting the
cultural values of the dominant group. The education system was used to establish
cultural homogeneity, thereby preserving the dominant culture at the expense of
micro-cultures. Multicultural education opposes the dominance of some cultures and
the subordination of others (Lemmer & Squelch, 1993:12).

Multicultural education is aimed at meeting the demands of culturally diverse

societies while taking diverse cultural backgrounds into account.

Multicultural schools are key figures in transmitting culture through education.

Education moulds and refines, and creates cultural awareness in learners. The
teacher should transmit and interpret hislher knowledge of both macro-cultures and
Chapter2:
Multicultural education 41

micro-cultures to enable learners to acquire the appropriate knowledge, attitudes and

skills required for functioning effectively within a diverse society.

As far as the transmission <?f culture through education and culture in multicultural
education are concerned, Lemmer & Squelch (1993:13) suggest that teachers need
to:

• have an understanding and knowledge of their own culture;

• be aware of the cultures of their learners;
• know which cultural factors influence the teaching/learning process.

According to these authors, education should influence the way in which young
learners interpret, experience and observe, in other words the way that learners
perceive things. Culture has a strong influence on educational institutions because
meaning is given through cultural interpretations.

2.4 HISTORY OF MULTICULTURAL EDUCATION

A number of Northern and Western European immigrants settled in the USA between
1881 -1890. The tum of the century (1901-1910) was also characterised by an influx
of immigrants from Southern, Central and Eastern Europe. For various reasons, the
English became the dominant cultural group and the primary goal of the school was
to Americanise immigrants.

During the nineteenth century, under prevailing dominant-subordinate group

relations, the dominant group in the United States used schools to integrate and
socialise children from various ethnic groups. Boarding schools were used to break
the cultural and tribal bonds of Native Americans, and excluded as many as possible
African Americans who sought entrance into the education system with hopes that
schooling would lead to good jobs and social mobility. Furthermore, three hundred
years of Hispanic presence and influence in America were largely ignored (La Belle &
Ward, 1994:9).

At the beginning of the nineteenth century schools played a limited role in most
people's lives. Extended families and communities, not formal education, shaped
Chapter2:
Multicultural education 42

values and prepared the youth for a world of work still largely rural and based on the
household. The importance of schools grew and their relevance to inter-group
relations became more critical. With this came two developments - a growing sense
of what it meant to be a United States citizen, and the decline of the family as the
centre of economic activity. With these two developments, schools increasingly
became the institution to enculturate the youth to be Americans and to socialise
future workers in the habits and attitudes needed in an industrialising economy (La
Belle & Ward, 1994:10).

Many immigrants held values which were shaped by rural, peasant cultures and
which contrasted sharply with the values of the industrial workplace and the
increasingly bureaucratised schools, which prepared youth for factories and firms.
Eventually, for the dominant group's educational bureaucracy, differing cultural
values and familial behaviour patterns made ethnic groups and families the enemy
{Lazerson, 1988:21 in Belle & Ward, 1994:10).

Until the early 1950's education in the USA could be described as being separate
and unequal. A policy of assimilation prevailed despite America's cultural diversity.
All Americans were expected to adopt the language, values and cultural mode of the
dominant group (Venter et al, 1997:6).

In the United States multicultural education came at first as a well-defined

educational approach intended to boost intergroup relations, and it was called
intercultural education. Intercultural education (frequently termed "intergroup
education") flourished through the 1940's and into the early 1950's. The movement
was basically of the liberate elite, backed strongly by mainstream religious groups.
Two themes ran through intercultural education. People should not be ashamed of
their cultural heritage, and people should tolerate racial, religious, and cultural
differences {La Belle & Ward, 1994:15).

A number of factors shaped intercultural education in ways distinct from the forms
multicultural education would take in the 1960's and 1970's. These included the rise
of fascism and the outbreak of World War II, concern for the United States' image in
the world, the influence of mainstream religious groups, and the growing influence of
the social sciences (La Belle & Ward, 1994:16).
Chapter2:
Multicultural education 43

The concerns about fascism and the desire for inter-religious and inter-racial
understanding that drove the intercultural education movement declined in the
1950's, setting a stage for multicultural education {La Belle & Ward, 1994:20).

In 1954, following the Brown vs. Board of Education court case, the US Supreme
Court ruled that separate educational policies were inherently unequal and thus
unconstitutional. This brought an end to separate education for different race groups.
This was a major victory for minority groups and provided further impetus to the civil
rights movement (Lemmer & Squelch, 1993:4).

Despite the 1954 Brown V. Board of Education Supreme Court decision

desegregating schools, African Americans, Hispanics, Native Americans, Asians and
other minority groups were often in legally segregated educational institutions. In the
1960's the civil rights movement and rising ethnic consciousness would challenge
and change these conditions, in part with the help of additional favourable court
decisions and government intervention in inter-group relations and education (La
Belle & Ward, 1994:21).

By the late 1960's, opposition to assimilation policies was gaining momentum, and
found expression in the civil rights movement which strongly opposed segregated
education and assimilation policies. First African-Americans and then others
demanded that schools became desegregated and that school practices be reformed
to reflect the diversity of people in the United States (Lemmer & Squelch, 1993:4).

According to Lemmer and Squelch (1993:4) multicultural education emerged in the

USA during the 1960's. Multicultural education came to light amid the social and
political turmoil caused by growing agitation among minority groups against, inter
alia, social inequalities, discriminations, racism and a Jack of equal opportunities.

In the early 1960's terms like "cultural pluralism" and "diversity'' began to appear in
the professional literature, although "little was articulated that precisely gave direction
and definition to specific concepts and for approaches that could be applied to
educational practice" (Baker, 1979:253).

The 1960's and 1970's brought rapid change to inter-group relations and their
relationship with education. First came a multi-ethnic education approach in which
Chapter2:
Multicultural education 44

the contributions of various ethnic groups were integrated into the curriculum. The
multi-ethnic approach ultimately broadened to incorporate white ethnic studies. By
the late 1970's, gender and religion were added to the multicultural concept, and the
focus shifted from multi-ethnic education to multicultural education (La Belle & Ward
1994:21-22).

A significant contribution of multicultural education in the 1960's and 1970's was to

make materials and textbooks more inclusive, even though the debate over content
and curricula would range through the 1990's (La Belle & Ward, 1994:21).

Multicultural education also emerged in other countries. Many educationists felt that
the existing emphasis on ethnic studies was insufficient and was unlikely to bring
about equal education opportunities. Instead they felt that a more comprehensive, all-
embracing approach to education was required to address not only racial and cultural
inequalities, but also socio-economic and gender-based inequalities. As a result,
multicultural education gained more favour and during the ensuing years much
research has been conducted and a plethora of literature has emerged in an
endeavour to promote the practice of multicultural education (Lemmer & Squelch
1993:4).

The impact of events that took place in the United States was felt around the globe
as increasing pressure was brought to bear on the governments of other Western
multicultural countries, such as Canada, Britain and Australia, to recognise the
existence of immigrant groups and to provide equal educational opportunities.
Greatly influenced by educational developments in the United States, educationists in
these countries began focussing their attention on the development and
implementation of multicultural education.

Lynch (1986:53) summarises the development of multicultural education in the

United Kingdom in the post-war period as having brought some fundamental
changes and some still-existing deficits. There has been movement inter-alia:

• from neglect to emerging concern;

• from implicit policies to explicit policy statements;
• from additive approaches to curriculum to integral, holistic strategies;
Chapter2:
Multicultural education 45

• from passive objectives such as recognition, awareness, etc. to active ones such
as acceptance and commitment;
• from extremely cognitive to affective goals;
• from weak to stronger anti-discrimination legislation;
• from a curricular to a whole-school approach;
• from discrimination about achievement and racist approaches;
• from personal deficit to structural disadvantage concepts.

In the UK and the USA multicultural education has made significant inroads into both
school and college curricula within the last two decades. In the elementary and high
schools, much more ethnic content appears in social studies, in language, and in arts
textbooks. More classroom teachers today have studied multicultural education
concepts than at any previous point.

Europe and America have developed the multicultural education standard in 1997,
which has been adopted by the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher
Education 1997 (Banks, 1999:9).

Multicultural education in South Africa will be discussed in chapter 3. It is important to

note that multicultural education started in South Africa in 1976 with the introduction
of open schools. Different races were allowed to attend school together. In South
Africa many private schools have, since the mid-seventies, opened their doors to
"persons of colour". Inevitably, such accommodations as have been made in private
schooling have frequently been confined to the integration of small numbers of black
pupils in an endeavour to ensure that the traditions and ethos of the schools involved
were not too drastically altered.

In the 1980's and 1990's multicultural education has generally broadened in such a
way that multicultural education encompasses concerns of many educational groups
including people with special education needs, and people of various age groups,
including the very young and the elderly (La Belle & Ward, 1994:25).

In trying to make multicultural education more comprehensive, some educators such

as Sleeter and Grant (1987:422) have made a comprehensive five-part typology of
multicultural education programmes with five categories:
Chapter2:
Multicultural education 46

• teaching the culturally different - transitions students from various groups into the
mainstream;
• human relations - helps students from various groups to get along better, but
avoids dealing with social stratification and fails to link the practical with
theoretical;
• single group studies - teaches about specific groups to promote pluralism, but
does not emphasise social stratification and does not attend enough to multiple
forms of human diversity;
• multicultural education - reforms the school through appropriate curricula and
materials, affirmation of all students' languages, staff changes to promote cultural
pluralism and social equality;
• education that is multicultural and social-reconstructionist - prepares students to
promote cultural diversity and to challenge structural inequality (La Belle & Ward,
1994:25-26).

The UK also played a significant role in the history and development of multicultural
education, because the UK has a history of diversity in cultural groups. The 1970's
and 1980's were important years of development of multicultural education in the UK.
In 1981 reports like the Swann Report (1985) gave national legitimisation to cultural
pluralism and multicultural education. The Swann Report confirmed the legitimacy of
multicultural education as a means of reform with implications for all schools,
irrespective of a racial risk. Reactions to the report were mixed: some were very
positive, some negative, but at least people started thinking and debating about
multicultural education in the UK (Venter et al, 1997:8-9).

The Rampton Report of 1981 in the UK identified racism as a major problem in

schools. The anti-racist movement gained momentum in the UK as a challenge to
multicultural education (Venter et al, 1997:9).

2.5 THE NATURE AND CHARACTERISTICS OF MULTICULTURAL

EDUCATION

The previous discussion on the history of multicultural education shows that

multicultural education is concerned with change. According to Banks (1988:39),
multicultural education is not a single educational course or programme, but is
Chapter2:
Multicultural education 47

composed of a multiplicity of programmes and practices. Multicultural education

should be " ... concerned with modifying the total educational environment so that it
better reflects the ethnic diversity within a society. This includes .. . making
institutional changes within the school that students from diverse ethnic groups have
equal educational opportunities and the school promotes and encourages the
concepts of ethnic diversifY'.

Multicultural education means different things to different groups. For the purposes of
this study, it would be useful to investigate the nature and characteristics of
multicultural education as stated by Lemmer & Squelch (1993:4-5):

• it recognises and accepts the rightful existence of different cultural groups;

• it encourages acculturation and preservation;
• it views cultural diversity as an asset rather than a handicap;
• it acknowledges the equal rights of all cultural groups in a society;
• it advocates equal educational opportunities;
• it encompasses many dimensions of human differences;
• it requires the refonn of the total school environment;
• it is an approach to education and should therefore penneate the entire
teaching and learning process;
• it is synonymous with effective teaching.

The above authors emphasise the fad that multicultural education is opposite to
separate education. It supports the fact that every culture should be respected and
be given meaning in one classroom practice. Cultural groups should be encouraged
to interact and integrate to create mutual respect.

Banks {1989:3) explains the nature of multicultural education as:

• incorporating the idea that all students should have an equal opportunity to
learn at school;
• a refonn movement that is trying to change the schools and other educational
institutions so that students from all social classes and cultural groups will
have an equal opportunity to learn;
Chapter2:
Multicultural education 48

• a process whose goals will never be fully realised. Because the goals of
multicultural education can never be fully attained, we should work continually
to increase educational equality for all students.

The nature of multicultural education according to Banks (1989:4) is seen as a reform

movement that is trying to change the schools and other educational institutions so
that students from all social dasses and gender, racial, and cultural groups will have
an equal opportunity to learn. Multicultural education involves changes in the total
school or educational environment, and is not limited to curricular changes.

In a multicultural institution everything has to change in order to accommodate all

participants in that multicultural environment. Teachers have to change their attitudes
about other cultures. Teachers also have to change their teaching styles and
approaches so as to accommodate all learners, because they come from various
backgrounds.

Multicultural education is also a process whose goals will never be fully realised.
Educational equality, like liberty and justice, are ideals toward which human beings
strive, but never fully attain. Racism, sexism and discrimination against people with
disabilities will exist to some extent no matter how hard we work to eliminate these
problems. When prejudice and discrimination are reduced toward one group, they
are usually directed toward another group, or they take new forms. Because the
goals of multicultural education can never be fully attained, we should work
continually to increase educational equality for all students (Banks, 1989:4).

As a process, multicultural education will need more time for people to· realise its
importance and to be able to implement it People will come across obstades in the
attempt to implement multicultural education, but people need to be tolerant.

Multicultural education must be reviewed as an ongoing process, and not as

something that we "do", and thereby solve the problems that are the targets of
multicultural education reform (Banks, 1989:4).

Banks (1989:7) sums up multicultural education by saying that "it is a total school
reform effort designed to increase educational equity for a range of cultural, ethnic,
and economic groups".
Chapter2:
Multicultural education 49

The nature and characteristics of multicultural education, as stated in this section,

shows that multicultural education focuses on students from various ethnicities, with
the aim of enabling all students to get equal educational opportunities.

2.6 AIMS OF MULTICULTURAL EDUCATION

The nature and characteristics of multicultural education were discussed in section

2.5. As far as the aim of multicultural education is concerned, Banks (1988:33) states
that "multicultural education is a reform movement designed to make some major
changes in the education of children and youth".

According to Banks (1988:35), multicultural education should aim at attempts "to

acquaint each ethnic group with the unique cultures of other ethnic groups. It also
tries to help ethnic group members to see that other ethnic cultures are just as
meaningful and valid as their own."

The above extracts from Banks indicate that multicultural education introduces new
ways of thinking, as learners are exposed to a diversity of cultures.

Lemmer & Squelch (1993:5) see multicultural education as aiming at:

• developing positive attitudes towards other cultural groups;
• increasing one's awareness of one's own cultural identity and cultural
heritage;
• understanding and appreciating the valuable contribution made to society by
other cultural groups;
• reducing cultural prejudice and stereotyping;
• developing a variety of competencies to enable one to participate
meaningfully in a culturally diverse society;
• helping people to explore ways to expand their contact with other cultural
groups;
• developing cross-cultural communication skills;
• strengthening the social action skills that will enable students to become
effective agents of change;
Chapter2:
Multicultural education 50

• increasing intercultural competence, including empathy, acceptance, and trust

of those from other cultural groups, and the ability to interpret customs and
non-verbal behaviour in different cultural styles.

Banks and Lynch (1986:12), on the other hand, suggest that multicultural education
aims:

• to reduce personal and institutional racism within schools and the larger
society;
• to promote the maintenance of groups, to promote the liberation of ethnic
groups, to educate ethnic students in a way that will not alienate them from
their home cultures;
• to change schools so that they reflect and legitimise the cultures of students
from diverse ethnic groups and cultures;
• to educate students in a way that will free them from their ethnic
characteristics and enable them to acquire the values and behaviour of the
'
mainstream culture.

The above authors stress the fact that multicultural education is a means of cultural
interaction. Different cultures are made aware of other cultures. In multicultural
education learners should learn to understand other cultures so as to reduce
prejudice.

Banks & Banks (1989:20-21) view multicultural education as a means to help

learners develop more positive attitudes towards different cultural, racial, ethnic and
religious groups. Multicultural education should help to empower students from
disadvantaged groups and help them develop confidence in their ability to succeed
academically and to influence the social, political and economic world. Multicultural
education should assist students to develop skills to be able to consider the viewpoint
of different groups. Learners are rarely given the opportunity to view life from the
perspective of, for example, women, disabled persons, lower-class people, and
ethnic minority groups.

In other words multicultural education should aim at transforming the entire school
context. The school situation should be such that male and female learners, learners
from diverse cultural backgrounds, social classes and racial and ethnic groups
Chapter2:
Multicultural education 51

experience an equal opportunity to learn. Multicultural education should help the

learners develop positive attitudes towards different cultural and ethnic groups.
Respect for the culture of other groups might result in cultural integration and
interaction.

Squelch (1993:187-188) sees multicultural education as a means to:

• empower all students to become critical analysts and activists in their social
environment;
• develop a just and democratic society;
• apply knowledge of socio-cultural factors related to teaching and learning to
advance academic performance and social development.

Multicultural education is opposed to discrimination. Every Ieamer should feel

accepted, and his/her contribution should be given meaning in the school situation.
Learners should be empowered with skills and knowledge to make them comfortable
in the world of diversity.

Multicultural education is concerned with all minority groups and their educational
needs, as also with the needs of majority students of both sexes and all linguistic,
cradle and racial groups to learn how to live in harmony within a multicultural society
(Lynch, 1986:3).

Multicultural education is not primarily concerned with minority groups' or majority

groups' needs. All people or groups in a society are of equal importance and all their
needs are to be satisfied.

Multicultural education in plural societies aims at the maintenance of social cohesion

and also at the encouragement of cultural diversity. It will be apparent that without
education towards social cohesion, society would disintegrate. Yet, without an
opportunity for cultural diversity within a pluralist society, there would inevitably be
discontent, alienation and possibly reduction (Lynch, 1986:10).

Multicultural education has a special task for teachers in that they should enable all
learners to achieve a higher state of cultural competence and sensitivity than that at
Chapter2:
Multicultural education 52

which they entered the school, so that both cultural and social interaction can take
place, and recognition of the positive value of diversity may grow (lynch, 1986:14).

2. 7 CONCLUSION

Multicultural education means different things to different people according to their

needs and circumstances. Though there may be differences, multicultural education
aims at uniting a diversity of cultures. It introduces the idea that all students,
regardless of their ethnic groups, should experience educational equality in schools.

As a reform movement, multicultural education is designed to transform the school as

a whole so that those students from diverse cultural and ethnic groups have an equal
chance to experience success. The aim of multicultural education is to help students
develop the knowledge, attitudes and skills needed to function within their own micro-
culture, and also within the macro-culture. School environments should be free from
cultural prejudice. Multicultural education, particularly in the South African context,
will be discussed in the next chapter.
Chapter2
BibHography 53

2.8 BIBLIOGRAPHY

Aschroft, B., Griffiths, G., Tiffin, H. 1995 The post-colonial studies: London & New
York: Routledge.

Baker, C. 1979. A parent's and teacher's guide to bilingualism. Clevedon:

Multilingual Matters.

Banks, J.A. 1988. Multi-ethnic education- Theory and practice- Second Edition:
Boston: Allyn and Bacon Inc.

Banks, J.A., Lynch, J. 1989. Multicultural education- Issues and Perspectives.

Boston: Allyn and Bacon.

Banks, J.A. & Banks, C.A. 1989. Multicultural education in Western societies.
London: Halt, Richard and Winston.

Barry, L. & Bull, R.T. 1992. The ethnic of multicultural and bilingual education. New
York: Teachers College Press.

Bennett, W. 1986. Moral literacy and the formation of character. Address delivered at
the Harvard Club of New York, sponsored by the Manhattan Institute of New York.

Cassara, B. B. 1990. Adult education in a multicultural society. London & New York:
Routledge.

Christie, P. 1990. Open Schools. Racially mixed Catholic Schools in South Africa.
1976-1986. Johannesburg: Rovan Press

Coombs, P.H. 1984. The world crisis in education: The view from the eighties. New
York: Oxford University Press.

Daniels. L. 1993. Diversity as and Educational Principle. Journal of Curriculum

Studies. 25 (1) p. 65.;.76.

Foster, M.M. 1981. The theory and practice of moral education in standard five.
Unpublished [Link] Dissertation. Pretoria: UNISA.

Fowler, S., Van Brummelen, H.W., VanDyk, J. 1990. Christian schooling education
for freedom. Potchefstroom: Potchefstroom University for Christian Higher Education.

Kammen, M.G. 1995. Contested values: democracy & diversity in American culture.
New York: St Martin's Press.

Gunter, C.F.G. 1981. Aspects of educational theory. Stellenbosch/ Grahamstown:

University Publishers & Booksellers. (PTY) Limited.

Griessel, G.A.J., Louw, G.J.J., Swart, C.A. 1989. Principles of educative teaching.
Pretoria: Acacia Books.

La Belle, T.J., Ward, C.R. 1994. Multiculturalism and Education. Diversity and its
impact on School and Society. New York: State University of New York Press.
Chapter2:
Multicultural education 54

Lemmer, E.M. and Squelch, J. 1993. Multicultural education. A teacher's manual.

Halfway House: The Southern Book Publishers.

Lynch, J. 1989. Multicultural education in a global society., London, New York,

Philadelphia: The Falmer Press.

Modgil, S.; Gajendra, K.; Verma, S.; Mallick, K & Modgil, C. 1986. Multicultural
Education. The Interminable debate. London and Philadelphia: The Falmer Press.

O'Connor, D.J. 1969. An introduction to the philosophy of education. London:

Routledge & Kegan Paul Ltd.

Saunders, M. 1982. Multicultural Teaching. A guide for the classroom. London:

McGraw-Hill Book.

Sellers, M.N.S. 1994. An Ethical Education: Community and morality in the

multicultural university. Oxford: Berg.

Sleeter, C.E. & Grant, C.A. 1988. Making choices for Multicultural Education. Five
approaches to race. class and Gender. Columbus: Merril Publishing Company.

Squelch, J. 1993. Towards a multicultural approach to education in South Africa. In:

The Black child in crisis. A socio - educational perspective. Volume 1. Edited by Le
Roux, J.C. Pretoria: Van Schaik.

South African Constitution, 1996.

Suzuki, B.H. 1991. Journal on Liberal Education, 77(1): p. 30-34.

Venter, E. 2000. Education, culture and values. Study guide for Department of
Secondary education.:. Pretoria: UNISA.

Venter, E., Woodbridge, N.B. & Lebeloane, L.D.M. 1997. Multicultural education.
Pretoria:UNISA.
CHAPTER3
THE NEED FOR MULTICULTURAL EDUCATION IN
SOUTH AFRICA

3.1 INTRODUCTION 56

3.2 HISTORY OF EDUCATION IN SOUTH AFRICA (1652-1976) 57

3.3 REACTION TO APARTHEID EDUCATION (1976-1990) 60

3.4 POLICY CHANGES AND EDUCATION

AFTER 1994 (DURING THE POST APARTHEID ERA) 63

3.5 THE NEED FOR MULTICULTURAL EDUCATION 11'1

SOUTH AFRICA 64

3.5.1 Social enrichment 65

3.5.2 Diversity in education 66
3.5.3 Equity and equality in education 66
3.5.4 Social transformation 67
3.5.5 Developing shared/common values 68

3.6 CONCLUSION 68

3.7 BIBLIOGRAPHY 69
Chapter3:
The need for multicultural education in South Africa 56

3.1 INTRODUCTION

"The issue of human rights, ecology, apartheid, militarism, and other forms of
domination against both humans and the planet affect all of us directly or indirectly.
This is not merely a political issue, it is also a deeply ethical issue that situates the
meaning of the relationship between the self and the other, the margins and the
centre, and the coloniser and the colonised in broader contexts of solidarity and
struggle. Educators need to develop pedagogical practices that not only heighten the
possibilities for critical consciousness but also for transforrnative action" (Giroux,
1992:79).

South Africa as a pluralistic society is composed of various languages, races,

cultures and religions. Each culture, race or religion needs to be recognised and
respected. In a pluralistic and democratic society, justice, access, quality, equity,
equality and respect for other human rights are important.

For decades white domination, injustice, violence and western values have played a
major role in the history of South Africa. Mainly white voices were heard in pre-
democratic South Africa in the education system. To function effectively in a
democ:ra!ic system, cultural differences and value plurality need to be acknowledged.
South Africans also need to recognise similarities by talking and listening to each
other.

Due to the variety of cultural groups, adequate cultural interaction becomes very
important. Bhiku Parekh (Aronowitz & Giroux, 1993:207) describes the attitude of
unity in diversity as follows: "Multiculturalism does not simply mean numerical
plurality of different cultures, but rather a community which is creating, guaranteeing,
encouraging spaces within which different communities are able to grow at their own
pace. At the same time it means creating a public space in which these communities
are able to interact, enrich the existing culture and create a consensual culture in
which they recognise reflections of their own identifY'.

South Africa as a pluralistic and diversified country demands that its citizens should
recognise and respect their own cultures as well as those of others. The education
system should be planned in such a way that it recognises all cultures. The school
should sustain a multicultural society that is self-perpetuating, where different
Chapter3:
The need for multicultural education in South Africa 57

cultures are not only maintained for their own sake, but for the purpose of interaction
in society as a whole. Cultural interaction must be reflected in the school environment
through a multicultural approach.

This chapter focuses on the issue as to whether a multicultural approach in education

is necessary in post-apartheid South Africa.

3.2 THE HISTORY OF EDUCATION IN SOUTH AFRICA (1652-1976)

The history of education in South Africa is the history of the combination of European
and African ways of life. Education existed in South Africa long before the arrival of
the Dutch colonists in 1652. Traditional African education was led by community
elders via an oral tradition based on cultural transmission and was closely linked with
life experience (Jansen in Venter et al, 2000:12).

After the British occupation in 1806, the Dutch-speaking settlers were compelled to
use English in schools and government in order to ensure conquest and assimilation.
These settlers opted for political and cultural independence by moving into the
hinterland of South Africa in the latter part of the 1830's (Venter et al, 1997: 13).

After the discovery of diamonds in 1867 and gold in 1886, the friction between the
newly formed Boer Republics and British imperial interests heightened. A form of
Calvinistic Christian religion from the Netherlands was entrenched by the Afrikaners,
which contributed to the beginning of Christian National Education (Christie,
1991:48).

In the same period, the following developments took place in South Africa regarding
black education.

After a period of slave education and elemental Christian religious instructions

(introduced by European settlers), missionaries undertook· to educate the people in
the early 1800's. Their chief purpose was to use education in order to convert
especially the Africans. Missionaries also used education to inculcate Christian
principles and behaviour upon the tribesmen and to eradicate potent tribal customs
Chapter3:
The need for multicultural education in South Africa 58

and organisations that seemed to threaten the lives of those people who were
already converted Christians. Converted people were not accepted in traditional
communities, as some ethnic groups felt that missionaries were against their
customs, cultures and beliefs (Christie, 1991:48).

The era of so-called Native Education, originated in the 1920's. The nationalist-
conservative tradition dominated historical literature on education both before and
after the consolidation of the apartheid system in education. The CNE (Christian
National Education) glorified traditional Afrikaner values and promoted Afrikaner
nationalism, thus developing an extensively "white-centred" view of the history of
education in South Africa (Cross, 1992:9).

Nationalist conservatives supported certain values implying that education was only
for whites. A change had to be made to avoid an education system centred on the
majority group.

The principle of Christian National Education formed one of the major bases of
apartheid. This principle stressed that culture, language and traditions should be
protected and developed separately (Cross, 1992:142).

Regarding the protection of culture, language and traditions, Mncwabe (1990:8)

argues that the ideology of racism arose in its overt form as a result of:

1 the rise of Afrikaner nationalism in opposition to British imperialism;

2 the transfer of the British imperialist ideology, which reinforced the idea of a
racial master;
3 the 20th century industrialisation which increased the competition between
black and white groups for urban employment;
4 Afrikaner nationalism developed largely from a need to re-establish an own
identity and to create group homogeneity

In May 1948 the National Party took over from the United Party. The national Prime
Minister, Dr D F Malan, tried to introduce diversity in legislative bodies by granting
more privileges to non-whites. However, he could not act to the detriment of whites
as he "enjoyed the confidence of the Afrikaans speaking people" (Muller, 1981 :466).
Chapter3:
The need for multicultural education in South Africa 59

The education system remained separate. The curriculum for blacks and coloureds
differed from that for whites. The curriculum was too content-based and impractical,
in the sense that it was irrelevant to the cultural background of non-whites. The
medium of instruction was English. Dr D.F. Malan adopted a policy of separate
development instead of racial integration because he favoured Afrikaners. Separate
development aimed at· separating blacks from whites in every sphere of life. 1948
marked the beginning of apartheid South Africa (Muller, 1981 :466).

Structural pluralism became a significant feature with the accession to power of the
National Party in 1948. The culturally divided population was kept divided to ensure
the dominant group's position in all spheres of society. Schools played a major part in
maintaining social group identity and in sustaining dominant economic and class
relations. Various methods were used, namely separate schools, centralised control,
limited access to educational institutions, inadequate allocation of financial and
physical resources, and inadequately trained teachers for certain sections of the
society. Cultural reproduction through the transmission of the dominant group's
values, norms and heritage ensured assimilation into the ideology of Christian
National Education (Squelch, 1993:178).

The Bantu Education Act of 1953 was approved and black education was under the
auspices of the Department of Native Affairs. This Act placed full control of black
education in the hands of the central government's Department of Bantu Education
(Mncwabe, 1993:21).

Muller (1981:483) states that in 1955 the government submitted legislation for
apartheid at a cultural level. This meant that no two cultural groups (based on colour)
could stay together and that cultural groups had to be grouped into separate entities
according to their cultures.

Sporadic riots took place in the 1950's and 1960's in protest against black education.
The education system of the 1950's and 1960's was aimed at segregation. Education
was designed in such a manner as to separate the two cultures, in other words black
and white (Muller 1981:483).
Chapter3:
The need for multicultural education in South Africa 60

Due to the uncertainties regarding black education, black people formed

organisations to fight against segregated education. Student riots started in
Sharpeville and spread to Langa (Muller 1981:500).

3.3 REACTION TO APARTHEID EDUCATION (1976-1990)

From 1976 the disintegration of black education became apparent and resulted in the
student unrest in Soweto. The unrest was the result of the government policy that
Afrikaans should be used as medium of instruction in all schools.

Mcwabe (1993:47) wrote that the Education and Training Act of 1979 facilitated many
practical and material improvements, yet the act did not deal with the isolation of
black education at all, and merely perpetuated the tradition of whites taking decisions
for blacks. The act did not address the problem of decision-making because blacks
were not represented in parliament.

In 1983, a government working party drafted a White Paper that recommended

separate education for cultural groups. There were three separate "own affairs"
services catering for whites, coloureds and Indians. Education for whites was
organised by the Provinces. The Department of National Education catered for
blacks outside the traditional homelands. By that time South Africa had no less than
15 different ministers of education. The Department of National Education was
responsible for controlling the policy budget allocations on behalf of the central
government. They established country-wide norms and standards and co-ordinated
the functions of the various ministers of education (White Paper on Education and
Training, 1983).

During the apartheid era, access to education was based on race and ethnic
grouping. Education was compulsor)< until the age of sixteen for white children, but
not for children from other racial groups - the literacy rate therefore was still very low
in racial groups other than whites. State education was also determined on racial
grounds. Curricula and handbooks, teacher training, religious instruction and values
were all determined and prescribed by the state. The period between 1984 and 1986
saw unprecedented levels of resistance to apartheid education which led to a state of
Chapter3:
The need for multicultural education in South Africa 61

emergency in mid-1985, and the banning of various student organisations (Squelch,

1993:179).

In 1986, some private schools and missionary schools opened their doors to students
of colour who could afford it. The open schools movement was started by private
Catholic schools who took a firm stand against separate education. They admitted
learners from all racial groups, with the primary goal to provide better opportunities
for black students. The state tried to control this by initially prohibiting schools from
accepting further enrolments and later by stipulating education requirements and
imposing a racial quota system. In 1986, after intense negotiations between the
church and the state, the Private Schools Act was accepted whereby the formal
recognition of racially mixed private schools was achieved. Although this was a big
step, private schools were still seen as elitist and assimilationist (Squelch, 1993:180).
This means that only a few could afford private schools and blacks had to accept the
culture of whites as the only culture to be practised.

Though the National Party seemed to be interested in unity in diversity, there were
still some uncertainties, as whites did not move to black schools. It appeared that
change was only meant for blacks as quoted by Christie (1990:24): "Though we are
all convinced in principle that integration should work both ways, that blacks should
be admitted to white schools and whites to black schools, we realise that in the
existing situation, it can in fact mean only admission of blacks to white schools, since
black schools are far too overcrowded and ill-equipped to be able to cater for white
pupils'.

This is an indication that black schools were not conducive for proper learning. Black
learners had to travel long distances in order to get proper education in white
schools. This proved to be an additional burden for blacks; hence only affluent blacks
could afford the expense.

Attempts were made to create a system that would benefit all races and cultures so
that all learners could benefit equally from the education system. The open schools'
movement and the opening of previously white schools in the 1980's were all
attempts to address the causes of the 1976 riots. This was obviously extremely time-
consuming (Squelch, 1993:175).
Chapter3:
The need for multicultural education in South Africa 62

In 1988, F W de Klerk was appointed as President of the National Party. The

education system in South Africa reached a turning point. The National Party opted
for desegregation and integration. Integration and diversity of schools through model
C schools gradually abolished the Bantu Education system. Only a few black parents
could afford the fees of model C schools as the fees proved to be very expensive for
poor people. Though these schools were open to everybody, the exorbitant costs
inhibited the number of disadvantaged learners from attending model C schools
(Squelch 1993:180).

Against the background of the far-reaching changes taking place in South Africa after
February 1990 (when certain political organisations were unbanned), the state came
under increasing pressure to initiate appropriate educational reform measures to
address the growing crisis in black education. The response came in the form of a
policy following the opening of white state schools to all racial groups. Although this
move was met with extreme caution and scepticism, it was viewed as a major step
towards the removal of apartheid policies in education (Squelch, 1993:181).

The attempt to improve black education in 1990 failed for the following reasons:

1 The new state schools (model C schools) could determine their own
admission policies. Many black students failed admissions tests because of
language problems and cultural biases.

2 Newcomers were expected to become assimilated quickly and to adjust

themselves to the values and cultures of formerly white schools. There was
no recognition for the socio-cultural backgrounds of black pupils. Their needs
were not accommodated.

3 Home-school discontinuity: black learners felt alienated from their home

environment in open white state schools because the culture, values and
traditions of schools differed totally from their home background (Squelch,
1993:181-182).

Despite many attempts, blacks failed to attend white schools. Black schools were still
overcrowded and lacked adequate facilities. Some teachers even conducted their
classes under the trees and no classes were held on rainy days.
Chapter3:
The need for multicultural education in South Africa 63

3.4 POLICY CHANGES AND EDUCATION AFTER 1994 (POST APARTHEID

ERA)

1994 officially opened the doors to cultural diversity and integration in state schools.
The admission policies that were used to cut down the number of black pupils in
white open schools were phased out.

Extract White Paper on Education and Training (1995:17):

In 1995, for the first time in South African history, a government had the
mandate to plan the development of the education and training system for the
benefit of the country as a whole. The government was faced with a challenge
to create a system that would fulfil the vision of opening the culture of learning
to everybody. The education system in South Africa should therefore be
aimed at building a just and equitable system. This means that the education
system should provide good quality education and training to learners, young
and old throughout the country.

The South African government acknowledges good quality education as a

priority. The white paper on education and training in 1995 stated that
appropriate education and training can empower people to participate
effectively in all the processes of a democratic society, economic activity,
cultural expression, and community life, and can help citizens to build a nation
free from race, gender and every other form of discrimination.

The South African education system embodied and promoted unity among the
members of the society. The majority of South Africans expressed the wish for one
education system, and in 1995 the White Paper on Education and Training made this
possible. The Constitution of 1993 Act 200 came into being to guide legislators
regarding education. This was followed by Act 108, which became the permanent
supreme law of the country.

The South African Constitution, Act 108 of 1996, looks at the future of education in
South Africa as it recognises human rights, peaceful co-existence and development
opportunities for all South Africans, irrespective of colour, race, class, creed or
Chapter3:
The need for multicultural education in South Africa 64

gender. The Constitution reflects the need of South Africans for understanding rather
than for vengeance; a need for reparation rather than for retaliation.

Multicultural education could be the key to changing many of the values and attitudes
formed in the old education system. The idea of implementing a multicultural
education approach in schools could bring about a change in beliefs, values and
attitudes outside the school environment, and help to develop the society.

3.5 THE NEED FOR MULTICULTURAL EDUCATION IN SOUTH AFRICA

Multicultural education is necessary for all children in all schools, state and private,
denominational and non-denominational, co-educational and single sex, primary and
secondary, comprehensive and differentiated, compulsory and non-compulsory
(Lynch, 1986:14). Multicultural education is a necessity in South Africa because of
the cultural diversity that exists in the country. Multicultural education could enable
learners to learn to tolerate and accommodate one another.

Before discussing the need for multicultural education, Pratte (1983) in Sleeter and
Grant (1988:27) states that multicultural education can be considered from different
perspectives, which are:

• restricted multicultural education, which seeks to remedy deficiencies in culturally

different students and attempts to teach majority students to tolerate minorities;
• modified restricted multicultural education, which seeks to promote full school
services for all groups and promote equality among groups within the school;
• unrestricted multicultural education, which seeks to remedy ethnocentrism in all
students by teaching them to identify with a plurality of cultural groups;
• modified unrestricted multicultural education, which seeks to prepare all students
for active citizenship in a racially diverse society.

Whether restricted, unrestricted or modified, the point that is emphasised here is that
multicultural education seeks to integrate people from all cultural and ethnic groups,
and to expose these people to many cultures. Multicultural education as stated in the
four approaches encourages cultural tolerance amongst learners in a multicultural
environment.
Chapter3:
The need for multicultural education in South Africa 65

Multicultural education in South Africa is necessary for the interaction between and
integration of different cultures.

In the past the dominant group through social structures and the mass media
dictated which values and cultures should be dominant in the country. Even the
values in the school system were enforced by state policy and were of a Christian
nature.

Micro-cultures in South Africa have been isolated from one another. Western cultures
and Western values dominated for years without taking into account the origin of a
great number of people. Today there is a great need for balance in the core culture of
our society. Multicultural education is greatly needed in South Africa with its diverse
cultures.

Reasons for implementing multicultural education in South Africa:

3.5.1 Social enrichment

Multicultural education emerged as a reaction to the ideology of assimilation. The

existence of diverse cultural groups must be recognised and must be seen as a
source of social enrichment rather than a. social problem. Acculturation, unlike
assimilation, fosters a balance between social conformity and social diversity
because of the sharing of different cultures (Lemmer & Squelch, 1993:12).

Social pluralism encourages enrichment It is a socio-cultural situation which, if it is to

be attended to with the least conflict, requires initiation and development of
interdependence, appreciation and the skills to interact closely with persons from
other cultures (Mncwabe, 1990:15). Members from different ethnic and cultural
groups should be allowed to retain their cultural ways, as long as they accommodate
those practices deemed necessary for the survival of society as a whole.

South Africa as a pluralistic society consists of many nations, cultures and value
systems. South Africans differ in race, religion, values, heritage and ideology. In
order to function properly in a diversified system, we need not only to acknowledge
Chapter3:
The need for multicultural education in South Africa 66

differences, but also to somehow recognise similarities. We need to stress

differences within unity.

Because of the variety of cultural groups, cultural interaction becomes very important
in order for a democratic society to function effectively.

3.5.2 Diversity in education

In South Africa we have to ensure that diversity is not an end in itself. It cannot be
seen apart from the objective of equity, equality and freedom. The discourse on
diversity cannot and should not supersede or conduct the agenda of transformation,
equity and equality (Mandew, 2000:18).

One group's culture and value system should not supersede that of another's - every
cultural and value system should get the same attention.

Since South Africa is a pluralistic society, the education system needs to change. It
needs to recognise the value of diversity by implementing a multicultural approach in
education. Socio-cultural factors cannot be neglected if meaningful educational
reform is to be implemented. Learners are unique individuals and cultural beings who
bring into the classroom a distinct set of beliefs, values and experiences that
influence attitudes, perceptions and behaviour (Squelch, 1993:188).

Educators need to be aware of these different ethnic backgrounds. Awareness and

knowledge of learners' backgrounds will enable educators to design a curriculum that
will effectively suit its learners. Learners should be motivated to develop their unique
capabilities.

3.5.3 Equity and equality in education

In multicultural education all learners should enjoy an equal chance to maximise their
potential. Learners from different ethnic groups should be given the opportunity to
enter and succeed in the education system. Equity and equality in education requires
the elimination of laws and barriers that prevent specific groups of individuals from
~ entering the system. It also entails the complete removal of explicit and implicit
Chapter3:
The need for multicultural education in South Africa 67

discriminatory structures that might hinder access to and progress through the
system.

Equity and equality in multicultural education also implies providing learners with an
equal chance to succeed in the classroom. The education system in South Africa has
been designed to suit all learning styles, while modes of assessment and the
classroom environment have been designed to accommodate the needs, capabilities
and interests of every Ieamer. The Outcomes Bas~ Education (OBE) approach
does not focus on what the teacher wants to achieve, but on what the Ieamer should
be able to know, understand, do and become. The teacher merely facilitates reaming.

3.5.4 Social Transformation

To press home the need for multicultural education in South Africa as a means of
social transformation, the quotation from Banks (1989:198) in Squelch (1993:191) is
a suitable starting-point: "To participate effectively in social change, students must be
taught social criticism and must be helped to understand the inconsistencies between
our ideals and realities, the work that must be done to close the gap, and how
students can, as individuals and groups, influence social and political systems in
society. In this approach, teachers are agents of social change who promote
democratic values and the empowerment of ethnic studentS' (Squelch, 1993:191 ).

The above quotation suggests that South Africa, as a diversified society, should look
at the function of the school from a different perspective. The school should cater for
every individual. It should cater for the child's needs, capabilities, and potentials.
Traditionally the school was an instrument for cultural domination. Today the schools
in South Africa should be seen as a site for cultural diversity. Schools should be
viewed as places where specific forms of knowledge, values and social relations can
be taught in ·order to educate learners to take their place within society from a
position of strength and social empowerment (Squelch, 1993:190).

The transformation of South African schools should not merely take place on paper,
but teachers (educators), parents and learners should join hands and transform
schools so as to enable learners and teachers to reflect the society from which they
emanate. Multicultural education should be used as a means of reform in the school
Chapter3:
The need for multicultural education in South Africa 68

environment so as to bring change in existing traditional educational practices that

have hitherto excluded equal participation of all groups (Squelch, 1993:191).

3.5.5 Developing shared/common values

In order to achieve unity in diversity, the education system in the form of multicultural
education should aim at recognising shared values. Specific values should be
acknowledged in education in order to acknowledge diversity. Parents, teachers,
learners and stakeholders should come together and recognise the
core/shared/common values in the education system. Examples of shared/common
values to be developed in South Africa are the value of respect of other cultures in
the education system, and that education should enable all learners to have access
to an equal education (Squelch, 1993:191).

3.6 CONCLUSION

The history of education in South Africa dating back from 1976 to the present has
changed dramatically. Different cultural groups in South Africa were parallel to one
another. Micro-cultures suffered domination by the one dominant culture.

The 1976 riots resulted in the recognition of diversity. Today most South Africans are
concerned with social change, educational change and cultural tolerance. Almost all
stakeholders acknowledge multicultural education as a good move in the right
direction in the South African education system.

South Africa as a pluralistic society needs development. Cultural diversity through

integration and interaction of different cultural groups will enrich South Africa. In the
past the government were interested in promoting their own cultural interests, whilst
neglecting the diversity of other cultures. The new education policy in South Africa
encourages unity and diversity.

Because of the changes taking place in South African education, there is a dire need
to address the issue of values. Because of the different cultures and value systems,
some schools are still experiencing conflicts. The issue of values in multicultural
education is the subject of the next chapter.
Chapter3:
Bibliography 69

3. 7 BIBLIOGRAPHY

Aronowitz, S. & Giroux H.A. 1993. Education still under siege: Cultural Studies in
Education and Culture Series. Westport Connecticut: Bergin and Garvey.

Christie, P. 1990. Open schools. Racially mixed catholic schools in South Africa.
1976-1986. Johannesburg: Ravan Press.

Christie, P. 1991. The right to learn - the struggle for education in South Africa.
Johannesburg: Rovan Press.

Cross, M. t992. Resistance and transformation. Education. culture and

reconstruction in South Africa. Johannesburg: Skotaville Publishers.

Giroux, H. 1992. Boarder Crossing- cultural workers and the politics of Education.
New York: Routledge.

Jansen, J.D. 1990. Curriculum as a political phenomenon: Historical reflections on

black South African education. Journal of Negro Education.

Lemmer, E. M. & Squelch, J. 1993. Multicultural Education- A Teacher's Manual.

Halfway House: Southern Book Publishers.

Lynch, J. 1986. Multicultural Education. Principles and Practice. Paul: London,

Boston & Henley: Routledge & Kegan.

Mandew. M. 2000. Diversity and Education. A view form the South African. Journal
on Liberal Education, 86(4), p. 18.

Mncwabe, M.P. 1990. Separate and equal education- South Africa's Education at
the crossroads. Durban: Butterworths.

Mncwabe, M.P. 1993. Post-apartheid Education Towards non-racial unity and

democratic socialization in the new South Africa. Durban: Butterworths.

Muller, C.F.J. 1986. 500 Years. A History of South Africa. Pretoria: Academica.

Sleeter, C.E. & Grant, C.A. 1988. Making choices for Multicultural Education. Five
approaches to race. class and Gender. Columbus Toronto: Merril Publishing
Company.

Squelch, J. 1993. Towards a multicultural approach to education in South Africa. In:

The Black child in crisis - a socio - educational perspective. Vol 1. Edited by J. le
Roux. Pretoria: Van Schaik.

Venter, E.; Woodbridge, N.B. & Lebeloane, L.D.M. 1997. Multicultural education.
Pretoria: UNISA.

Republic of South Africa. Department of Education. 1983. The White Paper on

education and training. Pretoria: Government Printers.

Republic of South Africa. Department of Education. 1995. The White Paper on

education and training. Pretoria: Government Printers.

White Paper on Education and Training, 1995.

CHAPTER4
VALUES IN MULTICULTURAL EDUCATION

4.1 INTRODUCTION 71

4.2 THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN VALUES AND CULTURE 71

4.2.1 The Concept Culture 72
4.2.2 The Concept Value 72
4.2.3 Relationship between values and cultures 74

4.3 VALUES IN A PLURAL SOCIETY 75

4.4 RESPONSES TO SHARED/COMMON AND SPECIFIC

VALUES IN PLURALISTIC SOCIETIES 78

4.4.1 Assimilation 79
4.4.2 Structural pluralism 80
4.4.3 Multiculturalism 81

4.5 AIMS OF MULTICULTURAL EDUCATION CONCERNING

VALUES 82

4.6 CONCLUSION 83

4.7 BIBLIOGRAPHY 85
Chapter4:
Values in multicultural education 71

4.1 INTRODUCTION

The previous chapter dealt with multicultural education in the South African context. It
is obvious that, in the past, education has been governed by the policy of separatism.
This separatism resulted in a number of riots during which many black learners lost
their lives. Due to the effects of the policy of Apartheid, the new government of
national unity saw it necessary to modify the education policy. This new policy
accommodates diversity in education.

This chapter is mainly concerned with the issue of values in multicultural education,
which caters for learners from different ethnic groups, with different cultural
backgrounds and value systems. Multicultural education means educating the
culturally different; it seeks to incorporate culturally different learners more effectively
into mainstream culture and society (Grant & Sachs, 1995:93).

Education that incorporates culturally different learners into mainstream culture does
not necessarily mean the assimilation of minority learners into the majority culture. It
rather entails the coming together of learners from different cultural backgrounds.
Multicultural education might be a point of convergence of many cultures and value
systems to help the nation/country to function as a whole. Multicultural education
focuses on a common understanding of what is good for all cultural groups. Cultures
and values will be considered so that students will, in the end, be exposed to multiple
cultures and value systems in one educational situation.

Learners from different cultures have different philosophies of life. In multicultural

education, different cultures and values should be shared in an effort to promote
better cross-cultural understanding in the school.

In this chapter, the relationship between values and culture, values in a pluralistic
society such as South Africa, as well as the responses to common/shared values and
specific values in a plural society, will be discussed.

4.2 THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN VALUES AND CULTURE

There is a significant relationship between values and culture. As a point of departure

for this section, the two concepts of "culture" and "values" will be discussed.
Chapter4:
Values in multicultural education 72

4.2.1 The concept culture

This concept has been discussed in chapters 1 and 2. A summary follows which
emphasises certain darifications important in this context.

According to Coombs (1985:244), the concept of culture is defined as that which

encompasses all of the community's life, for example the value systems, ideology,
life view, norms, technology, political and economic systems, religion, myths and
social structures.

Culture is dynamic and it continually modifies a person's behaviour. Culture can be

learned from day-to-day life and as such it can change a person's values
(Hernandez, 1989:20).

Culture means refinement of mind, morals and enlightenment. A cultured person,

however, needs to be educated to cope in a complex society (Kammen, 1994:187).

Taylor and Banks (1989:172) define culture as follows: Culture includes knowledge,
beliefs, art, morals, law which guides each culture, customs and any other
capabilities and habits acquired by man as a member of society.

Culture, therefore, is a very broad concept: it refers to the way in which people live in
their communities, the way in which they do things and how they view and value
things. Culture also refers to the belief systems that are present in communities and
societies. South Africa, as a plural society, consists of a diversity of cultures. South
Africans from various communities should be prepared to learn from other cultures so
as to enrich themselves with a diversity of cultures.

4.2.2 The concept value

This concept has been explained in chapter 1, but for the sake of clarity Badenhorst
(1993:397) explains the concept of "value" as having a compelling character. It drives
the members of a community to live according to certain principles.

Van Rensburg & Landman (1984:421) define value as: "that feature of present reality
which summons the person to action, and which is expressed when a person says
Chapter4:
Values in multicultural education 73

that the reality in question is worthwhile. Value always expresses the relation
between a human being, object or his attitude to a given matter. Values refer to
attitudes, preferences, lifestyles, belief systems and networks of meaning people give
to life."

Values mean standards, norms or principles that are considered to be valuable in life.
In other words, a human being attaches a value to what is important for hisJher life
and for the wellbeing and development of a society. Each ethnic or cultural group
attaches value to something. These are individual or specific values .. Each culture
must share its values with other cultures for cross-cultural understanding. There are
also common/shared values that serve as principles that guide the members of a
society.

Besides saying that a value is that which is seen as important in that particular group
or culture, it is clarifying to offer examples of values.

Hayden (1997:27) mentions the following examples of values:

• regard for proper authority

• unselfishness
• self-restraint
• loyalty
• fidelity
• readiness to stand up for what one believes in
• respect of fair play
• sense of fair play
• independence of thought
• persistence in working at solutions
• readiness to resolve conflict without resorting to violence

The examples of values stated above are very important in multicultural education
because in a multicultural school learners have to tolerate other cultures. In working
with people from different cultures people might become exposed to conflicting
arguments and statements which might also result in conflict A Ieamer has to stand
Chapter4:
Values in multicultural education 74

up for what he/she believes is right and at the same time be ready to resolve conflict
without resorting to violence.

What is important is that people should be made aware of the significance of values
and the role of values in people's lives. Learners will need to be educated about
values - be it moral, aesthetic or any other values.

Haydon (1997:32) gives a clear clarification of values, which might be very relevant in
the South African education system. Before dealing with the relationship between
values and culture, it is very important to take note of the following:

• some values have to do with the way people behave, but not all of them do
• some values may be expressed by using words such as 'right' and 'wrong'
• by some particular values a person would stand, even if he/she were to give up
on or compromise other things
• some values make "outside" claims on people; independently of how a person
happens to feel or what is con~nient for him/her at a certain time
• shared/common values exist which apply to everyone
• some values may be ones, which you don't think are just a matter of what you
happen to prefer or choose.

South Africa is a plural society. There are numerous specific values because of the
many cultural groups. South Africa has both specific and common values.

4.2.3 Relationship between values and cultures

Values that are important in specific cultures refer to attitudes, preferences, lifestyles,
normative frameworks, symbolic universes, belief systems and networks of meaning.
Values indicate that attitudes, preferences and beliefs originate from one's own
culture. A specific cultural group respects its own norms and standards. Different
cultures have different values but at the same time they have shared values.

Each culture has its norms and standards. Specific cultural groups across cultures
reflect these norms and standards. The norms and standards co-exist within the
realms of a single nation. South Africa should operate within common values in order
Chapter4:
Values in multicultural education 75

to achieve cross-cultural interaction and understanding. Cultural interaction and

understanding of values will reduce value conflicts among South Africans. Value
diversification implies differences in values. Where these values have to be
acknowledged, understanding will further create harmony amongst learners in
school. Learners need to share their values with others. Differences in values in a
school situation imply that learners will have to understand and acknowledge other
peoples' values.

Culture is characterised by values because one values what one knows. Cultures
serve as guiding principles in our lives because we attach a value to what we know
and how we do things, and these contribute to our behaviour. The two concepts of
culture and values are interrelated because the culture of a society consists of
standards, whereby members assign meaning, value and significance to things,
events and behaviours. These standards have been established because they
enable the members of that society to deal with the needs and problems arising from
their environment and in association with others (Cassara, 1990:17).

Multicultural education looks at children from different cultural backgrounds as

children with specific value systems. The teacher should try to help them understand
the diversity of cultures and value systems in the classroom and acknowledge and
respect other cultural values. Teachers should therefore emphasise common/shared
values. Children should be encouraged not to neglect their own cultural values but
rather to learn to treasure these whilst also acknowledging, accepting and trying to
understana other cultures and value systems.

4.3 VALUES IN PLURAL SOCIETIES

Different cultures reflect different value systems. There are both specific values and
common/shared values (as explained in chapter 1). Specific values are the values of
various ethnic groups, while common/shared values are the values shared by
different ethnic groups in the society. In a school situation, society members will have
to recognise the common societal values in order to avoid clashes, without neglecting
their specific values. Different cultural/specific values deeply influence education as
they introduce learners to multiple value systems, as well as promoting diversity in
class.
Chapter4:
Values in multicultural education 76

Values significantly influence the lives of ethnic groups. Ethnic groups have specific
belief systems. They belong to a certain group, with imposed ethnic or religious
beliefs. Ethnic groups interact culturally and socially within the cultural boundaries
delineated by a group system (Smolicz, 1979:199).

Values influence people's behaviour and regulate how individuals satisfy their
impulses. Values are not dependent on specific situations; rather, they provide the
general grounds for accepting or rejecting particular norms, for making judgements,
for expressing preferences, and for choosing courses of action. According to a
general definition, values are the standards we use for selecting alternatives. They
have a cognitive element, a selective quality, and some affective components.
Values have a communal aspect, they are not simply what individuals want or need,
but include consideration for other members of society and for the group as a whole
(La Belle & Ward, 1994:116).

Looking at the definition of values given above, people in plural societies will have to
have general grounds for decision-making and the making of choices. Each plural
society has to be distinguished from other societies by its common values. In relation
to education in a plural society, values have to shape the group members'
preferences for particular policies and practices.

Values guide what group members decide about what constitutes knowledge and
what their children should leam in school. A school is a place where children are
drilled in cultural orientations. In a multicultural society, education readily becomes
the arena for conflict, as groups battle to determine the cultural orientations into
which their own children will be drilled (La Belle & Ward, 1994:115). Shared traits
must therefore be recognised, so that conflict could be dealt with constructively.
Interaction and communication are of the utmost importance.

Values in a plural society have a great influence on the education system.

Emphasising a single dominant value system might therefore cause conflict
regarding education within plural societies.

The fact that our society is a plural one means not only that teachers will be working
in a context in which pupils and their parents have different perspectives on
questions of values, but the values of teachers themselves will reflect this plurality.
Chapter4:
Values in multicultural education 77

Because of this diversity in society, policies for equal opportunities are vital within
education (Haydon, 1997:154).

Pluralistic societies should inculcate a diversification of value systems onto their

members by teaching them specific values whilst promoting, encouraging and
learning about the importance of common/shared values. This does not mean that
ethnic groups should neglect their own values, but they are encouraged to operate
within a context that is commonly acknowledged at school.

Multicultural education attempts to integrate different cultures and different value

systems, and to remove discrimination. It is an attempt to encourage and drive
members of different cultural groupings to live according to commonly accepted
values without neglecting their specific values.

Unity can be achieved through the promotion of a common framework of values.

Multicultural education can help to sensitise learners to cultural differences. Different
values in pluralistic societies should be seen as a means of social enrichment. There
must be the belief that any specific cultural identity is open to improvement in that it
might learn from values peculiar to other groups, and will need to change where the
"common framework of values, practices and procedures" is incompatible with some
of its values (Leicester & Taylor, 1992:20).

Values could change with time, depending on the context, especially when the
specific values cause conflict. People should learn to operate within a common value
system, which should help to reduce misunderstandings in plural societies.

Multicultural education should be based on developing those values that contribute to

a just and harmonious pluralistic society. Those values required for the effective
functioning of a harmonious pluralistic society should be exhibited in the macro-
society of the school (Leicester & Taylor, 1992:37).

Learners in a multicultural education system should be encouraged to introduce their

ethnic values to others in the class. Learners need to learn to identify the
common/shared values amongst themselves. Teachers should design the classroom
situation in such a manner that a common framework of values is considered without
neglecting the specific values. The structure and the nature of the curriculum, the
Chapter4:
Values in multicultural education 78

criteria for assessing student progress, the design of the curriculum and the
organisation of the .classroom should be based on shared values (Tatto, 1996:167).

Emphasising common/shared values in multicultural education is a means of

eliminating discrimination. The curriculum should be designed to cater for every
Ieamer from whatever dass, colour or creed.

Tatto (1996:167) suggests that teachers in a multicultural society need to become

critical towards their own values and those of others, and help the learners in their
classrooms to do the same. This does not imply the rejection of specific cultural
values, but it does demand the ability to distance oneself from one's own cultural
boundaries and to identify with shared/common values.

It is imperative to reflect critically on stereotypes, and on dogmatic or conducive

answers to certain types of questions: orthodox proposals for the solution of
prevailing social and other problems, simplistic interpretations of complicated states
of affairs, and rationalising of social justice (Schoeman, 1995:101).

Teachers therefore have a special task of shaping society's values, starting at school.
It is known that teachers cannot always ensure that the impact of every classroom
experience is constructive and positive. Since teachers are the ones who are directly
involved with learners in everyday life, educators do shoulder a special responsibility
to make certain that classrooms represent positive environments in which children
are able to grow in beneficial ways. The school then helps in qualities associated with
individual character- especially values, ethics and morals (Rusnak, 1998:58).

4.4 RESPONSES TO SHARED/COMMON VALUES AND SPECIFIC VALUES

IN PLURALISTIC SOCIETIES

A diverse society would, in fact, function most effectively and harmoniously on the
basis of pluralism. This enables, expects and encourages members of all ethnic
groups (both minority and majority) to participate fully in shaping society as a whole.
This takes place within a framework of commonly accepted values, practices and
procedures, while also allowing and, where necessary, assisting ethnic minority
Chapter4:
Values in muiticultural education 79

communities in maintaining their distinct ethnic identities within this common

framework (Leicester and Taylor, 1992:19).

There are many ways of responding to common and specific values, but in this
section only three will be dealt with, namely responding by means of assimilation,
structural pluralism and multiculturalism.

4.4.1 Assimilation

Hernandez (1989:32) believes assimilation to be the theory of conformity to the

majority.

In the first instance assimilation focuses on minimising cultural differences and on

encouraging social conformity and continuity. Learners from minority groups are
required to adopt the language, cultural modes and values of the dominant group
(Lemmer & Squelch, 1993:2-3).

In a diverse society, learners from minority ethnic groups are expected to be

absorbed into the culture and values of the mainstream and their specific culture is
considered as most important. The education policy does consider ethnocentricity but
when it comes to its actual implementation, the learners' ethnocentricity is given very
little consideration. Assimilation encourages conformity without development. The
Ieamer is exposed to only one cultural and values system. Unity amongst learners is
encouraged but this is unity without diversity.

Banks and Lynch (1986:297) describe assimilation as "a set of beliefs and
assumptions which envisages one dominant culture within a society that all ethnic
and cultural groups are expected to acquire".

Assimilation encourages social conformity in the school context. In this regard,

learners associate and are taught to accept, unquestioningly, the existing and
prevailing dominant values, attitudes, ideologies, social practices and institutions in
society as a whole. In this regard, only the value systems of the dominant group are
considered and as such the fortunate or dominant group has a better opportunity to
develop (Squelch, 1993:177).
Chapter4:
Values in multicultural education 80

Assimilation assumes that the most effective way of reducing strong ethnic
boundaries, primordial attachment and ethnic affiliations within a nation state is to
provide ethnic and racial groups with the opportunities to experience equality in the
nation's social, economic, and political institutions (Banks, 1988:139).

In assimilation, access is permitted to pupils not possessing cultural heritages closely

allied to the mainstream culture propagated by the school. Entrants gradually
assume the common culture, with a subordination of home cultures (Coutts, A.
1990:5-10).

Assimilation mainly reduces social boundaries by simply incorporating the ethnic

cultures into the main culture. Ethnic groups therefore neglect their own cultures and
concentrate on the main culture. Multicultural education is opposed to this. By trying
to overshadow the ethnicity of particularity in minority groups, assimilation is trying to
expose all ethnic groups to one dominating culture. The minority ethnic groups are
equalled with the majority without recognition of their culture or value systems.

4.4.2 Structural pluralism

According to Lynch (1989:16) "structural pluralism refers to the way in which society
is stratified."

People in structural pluralistic societies have to be separated from other groups

according to their beliefs, social class, ethnicity and colour. These people have to
respond to common values but remain within their own cultural value systems.

As a policy, structural pluralism accepts cultural pluralism as part of modem society.

However, structural pluralism advocates separate development of cultures. It
encourages some form of interaction between the different cultural groups (Goodey,
1989 in Venteret al, 1997:24).

People in South Africa had their own ethnic values but on a national level they were
expected to respect common values. Structural pluralism indicates that people
respond to the macro-culture, but develop separately.
Chapter4:
Values in multicultural education 81

Structural pluralism is one way of responding to cultural and other forms of diversity.
Minorities are expected to respect and operate freely within their own cultures and
respect the main culture.

In other words, each ethnic group is exposed to its own culture and specific values; it
learns to respect its own cultures and develop cultural identity. At the same time, they
do not learn about other cultures in their country, except for the main culture
prescribed by government.

4.4.3 Multiculturalism

Aronowitz & Giroux(1993:207) describe multiculturalism as not simply implying:

numerical plurality of different cultures, but rather a community which is

creating, guaranteeing, encouraging spaces within which different
communities are able to grow at their own pace. At the same time it means
creating a public space in which these communities are able to interact,
enrich the existing culture and create a consensual culture in which they
recognise reflections of their own identity.

In the first instance, multiculturalism fosters a balance between social conformity on

the one hand and social diversity and change on the other. It encourages the cultures
and values of all groups to be shared, modified and enriched through interaction.
While all learners need to acquire certain values, knowledge and skills from the
mainstream, they do so without surrendering their own cultural heritage from t.,eir
own communities (Lemmer & Squelch, 1993:2).

Multiculturalism mainly emphasises that people should get to know their

neighbouring cultures, and learn to respect their value systems. In knowing and
interacting with other cultures, multiculturalism encourages people not to neglect their
own cultures. One's own cultural values give one cultural identity. Multiculturalism
allows an individual to share the values, beliefs and knowledge of other groups. It
also encourages people to gain skills from other cultures and not to surrender their
own specific cultural heritage and values.
Chapter4:
Values in multicultural education 82

Multicultural education therefore minimises cultural differences that may cause

cultural and value conflicts. Cultural and value differences will be minimised because
each group is aware, understands and acknowledges the culture and values of the
other. Should a misunderstanding arise, groups are able to solve their conflicts and
act together using shared values.

Learners at school will be encouraged to respect shared values. Respect of shared

values will create social harmony in diverse societies. Through diversification
learners will learn other values from other members of society. The exposure to
common values creates unity in diversity in learners.

4.5 AIMS OF MULTICULTURAL EDUCATION CONCERNING VALUES

Multicultural education should be seen as a means of fostering a common framework

of values. People in plural societies should have equal respect for those values
inherent in different groups. A common framework of values enables cultural groups
to work harmoniously together.

According to Lynch (1989:20-21), the aims of multicultural education concerning

values are

• to strengthen the social skills that will enable students to become effective agents
of change;
• to reduce personal and institutional racism within schools and the larger society;
• to educate learners in a way that will free them of holding only onto their ethnic
characteristics.

In multicultural education, learners and educators should be compelled by

common/shared values to function effectively and harmoniously. This does not imply
the rejection of specific cultural values, but it does demand the ability to distance
oneself at times from one's own cultural boundaries. Cross-cultural communication is
very important for sharing specific value systems, but also for recognising common
values within specific value systems.

In the classroom communication is very important, but cultural differences do not

always make communication easy. The success of the teaching/learning process
Chapter4:
Values in multicultural education 83

may also be at risk. Teachers should always be alert in their classrooms to

encourage cross-cultural communication by observing:

• how pupils of diverse cultures perceive reality;

• why they perceive it as they do;
• how they express their perceptions;
• how these differ from the teacher's own perceptions.
(Venter et al, 1997:48).

Guidelines for effective communication in the classroom:

1. Listen: the teacher should not only listen to the words being spoken, but also to
meanings - verbal and non-verbal messages are important.
2. Check perceptions: in a multicultural classroom perceptions must be clarified -
it may be unwise to jump to conclusions.
3. Seek feedback: the teacher must ensure that the message is mutually
understood - clarify the feedback. In some cultures, for instance, it is regarded as
impolite to say "no" to a question or request, and a "yes" might then create
confusion when the request is not complied with correctly.
4. Resist judgmental reactions: cross-cultural tolerance will only develop if people
avoid premature or emotional judgements and first learn to listen, check
perceptions and seek feedback (Venter et al, 1997:48).

4.6 CONCLUSION

This chapter focused on values in multicultural education and explained the

relationship between values and culture.

Besides specific values, each society has to recognise values that are common
amongst cultural groups. Values, whether specific or shared, are the principles that
guide one's life and they form part of one's philosophy of life. Learners in multicultural
societies have the opportunity to be exposed to different cultures and shared values
but at the same time to respect their own value system.
Chapter4:
Values in multicultural education 84

There is a significant relationship between culture and values. This chapter has
stated clearly that values develop from specific cultures. Each cultural group has its
own cultural values. Learners respond to shared and specific values through
assimilation, separation or multiculturalism.

The aims of multicultural education concerning values may be summarised as

follows:

• to encourage cultural and value interaction;

• to develop tolerance and acceptance of cultural and value differences within
politically unified, yet culturally diversified societies;
• to encourage learners in schools to believe that the same patterns of family life
and social relations should ultimately hold the same values for all learners.

This means that learners should not see the school as separate from their families.
At school, common values should be identified and specific values should not be
undermined.
Chapter4:
Bibliography 85

4. 7 BIBLIOGRAPHY

Aronowitz, S., Giroux, HA. 1993. Education still under siege. In: Critical Studies in
Education and Culture Series. Westport Connecticut Berguim and Garvey.

Badenhorst, D.C. 1993. Exploring the role of values in formal education. In critical in
modem education. Edited by E.L. Dekker and E.M. Lemmer. Durban: Butterworths.

Banks, J.A. 1988. Multicultural education- Theory and Practice- Second Edition:
University of Washington, Seatle; Boston London Sydney Toronto: Allyn and Bacon
Inc.

Banks, J.A. & Lynch. 1986. Multicultural education: Issues and Perspectives. Boston:
Allyn and Bacon: Massachusettes.

Cassara B. B. 1990. Adult education in a multicultural society. London and New York:
Routledge.

Coombs, R.H. 1984. The world crisis in education: the view from the eighties. New
York: Oxford University Press.

Coutts, A. 1990. The multicultural school. Mentor. Vol74(1) p. 5-10.

Fowler, S., Van Brummelen, H.W., VanDyk J. 1990. Christian Schooling: Education
for Freedom. Potchefstroom: Potchefstroom University for Christian Higher
Education.

Gotz, L. 1992. Education and the self. Cross-cultural perspective. London: New
College Hofsta University.

Grant, C.A., Sachs, J.M. 1995. Multicultural education and Postmodemism

Movement towards a Dialogue. In: Critical multiculturalism - uncommon voices in a
common struggle. Edited by B. Kanpol and P. Mclaren. Westport, Connecticut:
Bergin and Garvey.

Haydon, G. 1997. Teaching about values: A new Approach. Cassell Studies in

pastoral care and personal and social education. New York: Cassell.

Hernandez, H. 1989. Multicultural education. A Teacher's Guide to Content and

Process. Columbus: Merril Publishing Company.

Kammen, M.G. 1994. Contested Values: democracy and diversity in American

culture. New York: StMartin's Press.

La Belle, T.J. & Ward, C.R. 1994. Multiculturalism and Education. Issues and
perspectives. Third Edition. Boston: Allyn and Bacon.

Leicester, M., Taylor, M. 1992. Ethics, Ethnicitv and Education. Leicester: Kogan
Page.

Lemmer, EM., Squelch, J. 1993. Multicultural education in a Global Society. The

Falmer Press: London. New York Philadelphia.
Chapter4:
Bibliography 86

Lynch, J. 1989. Multicultural Education in a Global Society. London, New York: The
Falmer Press.

Rusnak, T. 1998. An Integrated Approach to character Education. California: Corwin

Press, Inc: Thousand Oaks.

Schoeman, P.G. 1995. The 'Open Society' and Educational Policy for Post-
Apartheid South Africa. In: Metatheories in Philosophy of education. Edited by
Higgs P. Johannesburg: Heinemann.

Smolicz, J.J. 1979. Culture and Education in a Plural Society. Curriculum

Development Centre: Canberra.

Squelch, J. 1993. Towards a multicultural approach to education in South Africa In:

The Black child in crisis. A socio-educational perspective. Volume 1. Edited by Le
Raux. J.L. van Schaik: Pretoria.

Tatto, M.J. 1996. Examining Values and Beliefs about Teaching Diverse Students:
Understanding the challenges for Teacher Education. New York: Michigan State
University.

Van Rensburg, C.J.J. and Landman, W.A. 1998. Notes on Fundamental Pedagogic
Concepts. An introductory orientation. N.G. Kerkboekhandel Edms Bpk.

Venter, E.; Woodbridge, N.B. & Lebeloane, L.D.M. 1997. Multicultural education.
Study Guide for EDA 302-4. Pretoria: UNISA.
CHAPTERS
THE VALUES ISSUE IN THE SOUTH AFRICAN
CONTEXT

5.1 INTRODUCTION 88

5.2 MULTICULTURAL EDUCATION IN THE 88

SOUTH AFRICAN CONTEXT

5.3 VALUES EDUCATION IN SOUTH AFRICA 92

5.3.1 Shared and specific values in South Africa 96

5. 3. 1. 1 Specific values 97
5.3. 1.2 Shared values 97

5.4 CONFLICT IN MULTICULTURAL EDUCATION 101

5.5 CONCLUSION 104

5.6 BIBLIOGRAPHY 105

ChapterS:
The values issue in the South African context 88

5.1 INTRODUCTION

The previous chapters dealt with values in multicultural education in general. The
focal point was that in any plural society, it is necessary to recognise the existence of
both common values and specific values. Members of pluralistic societies should
recognise which values are common or shared values, and live accordingly.
Approving common or shared values does not mean that people should neglect their
own values. Specific values reflect the uniqueness of a specific group, and as such
they should not be neglected.

This chapter pays attention to specific values in a plural and diversified South Africa,
values that are important to maintain identity and culture, as well as shared values.
South Africans should come to terms with the values they share.

As far as South Africa is concerned, specific values appear to be causing confusion

and conflict in certain educational institutions. This confusion has sometimes caused
hatred amongst different cultural groups. In some educational institutions, confusion
and conflict have resulted in physical assault.

5.2 MULTICULTURAL EDUCATION IN THE SOUTH AFRICAN CONTEXT

South Africa is a country of many peoples, cultures and value systems. We differ in
race, religion, values, heritage and ideology. To function effectively in South Africa,
we need to acknowledge our differences whilst recognising our similarities -we need
to stress unity within diversity. Because of the variety of cultural groups in South
Africa, cultural interaction becomes very important.

Like all plural societies, South Africa is still grappling with many problems regarding
integration. South Africans should accept the changes facing their nation.
Cohesiveness will prevail in South Africa if society members are encouraged to
enrich themselves by sharing their cultural values. Unity could be achieved by
focussing on common human values, whilst respecting diversity.
ChapterS:
The values issue in the South African context 89

The four types of multicultural education according to Grant & Sachs (1995:51) are:
• education of the culturally different (also known as multiculturalism), which seeks
to incorporate culturally different students more effectively into mainstream
culture;
• education about cultural difference, which teaches all students about cultural
difference in an effort to promote better cross-cultural understanding;
• education for cultural pluralism, which seeks to preserve ethnic cultures and
increase the power of minority groups;
• bicultural education, which seeks to prepare students to operate successfully in
two different cultures.

Lynch (1986:33) categorises multicultural education in the same way as done by

Grant & Sachs above, but adds a fifth category - multicultural education as the
normal school experience.

When one examines the above-mentioned types of multicultural education, education

about cultural differences, should suit South Africa. South Africans should deal with
cultural differences in an effort to promote better cross-cultural. understanding (Grant
& Sachs, 1995:53).

This type of multicultural education is most suited for South Africa as its history has
seen numerous conflicts regarding values, because one group's ethnic values were
emphasised by the past government

In the past South Africa also safeguarded the value systems of different ethnic
cultures, but each ethnic group had its own castle. South Africans neglected to
introduce other cultures into their ethnic cultures. South Africans were thus confined
to their own cultural/ethnic values whilst not recognising important human values
which they shared.

Differences in specific cultural values, rather than common human values, were
emphasised in South Africa. It is hoped that multicultural education, which
encourages cross-cultural understanding, will help to bridge the gap between
cultures and promote better understanding of different cultures and shared human
values.
ChapterS:
The values issue in the South, African context 90

As far as the history of South Africa is concerned, Christian National Education

promoting Western, European values was important and this is presently still the
case in some multicultural education schools in South Africa because people want to
force specific value systems onto others.

In the history of South Africa, the misunderstandings and conflicts between different
cultural groups were caused by a lack of understanding between different cultures.
Different cultural groups were reluctant to learn, to try to understand and to
acknowledge other cultures. Each group considered its own culture to be the most
important, thus undermining other cultures. Each culture should be seen as important
in its own right, but the importance of each culture would be better understood when
taking other cultures into account

If each cultural group is aware and proud of its own culture, it will become aware of
the culture of others, and this could lead to better cross-cultural relations. Cross-
cultural understanding could reduce tensions, misunderstandings and conflicts
(Mncwabe, 1990:6).

It is appropriate to educate South Africans in cultural differences with the aim of

promoting cross-cultural understanding, because through cross-cultural
understanding positive attitudes towards other cultural groups could develop. This
form of multiculturalism would also enable one culture to understand the contribution
each other culture could make to society. By thinking about cultures and values one
would learn to think critically about the cultures of others and appreciate one's own
culture and value system (Barnard et al, 1997:13).

Multicultural education is very important in promoting cross-cultural communication. It

is often believed that by simply bringing people together, multicultural education will
change their attitudes and prejudices. Casual contact does not, however, reduce
racial and cultural conflict. In the classroom, especially the multicultural classroom,
effective communication should be included in the teaching programme (Venter et al,
1997:48).

Guidelines on effective communication in a multicultural classroom were given in

section 4.5.
ChapterS:
The values issue in the South African context 91

In South Africa, learners at school should be allowed to retain their unique cultural
ways, as long as they know, acknowledge and accommodate those practices
deemed necessary for the survival of the society as a whole. If cross-cultural
education is effectively implemented, the entire South African society will be enriched
with the diversity of cultures.

Cross-cultural education in South Africa should develop positive attitudes towards

other people's cultures. Learners should be made aware of the importance of their
own ethnic cultures because they contribute to the total or global society. Learners
will then be proud to demonstrate, talk about and share their cultures with others. All
learners in the classroom will be introduced to other cultures and value systems.

The implementation of multicultural education to develop intercultural and cross-

cultural understanding goes hand in hand with transformation. Banks (1989:21) has
the following to say about the implementation of multicultural education:

Certain transformations in schools such as power relations, interaction

between teachers and students, the ethos of the school, the curriculum,
attitudes towards minority groups, grouping practices, and testing procedures
should be implemented.

Transformation in multicultural education should start with educators and proceed

from educators to learners. Educators should avoid attitudes that show biases and
conflict. The teacher in a multicultural institution should not forget that he/she has a
very important role to play. The teacher must bridge possible gaps between cultures.

The school curriculum should meet the needs of all learners. Cross-cultural
understanding should be cultivated and the spirit of cultural acceptance should be
maintained. Learners should not be grouped according to race, colour or creed.

Educators must consider not only the basic skills that .students need to master but
also the struggles, hopes and dreams of students from diverse racial, ethnic, and
cultural groups. The mastery of basic skills will be essential but not sufficient as the
diversity within our society deepens and our nation faces new challenges and
responsibilities. Students must be taught the knowledge, attitudes and abilities
ChapterS:
The values issue in the South African context 92

needed to work with people from diverse groups in order to create civic; moral, and
just communities that promote the common good (Banks, 1999:99).

Cross-cultural understanding could assist learners in knowing their micro-cultures,

which in tum will lead to the establishment and cultivation of a macro-culture. By
interacting, learners will become acquainted with specific values and cultures whilst
being made aware of what they have in common with other learners' cultures and
value systems. Learners and educators at school will oppose any form of cultural
misunderstanding and discrimination.

5.3 VALUES EDUCATION IN SOUTH AFRICA

Values education aims to give young people a knowledge of the rules which function
when relating to other people. It seeks to develop in people a grasp of its underlying
principles, and the ability to apply the principles intelligently, and to have the settled
disposition to do so. Without values education people would be significantly
impoverished in an attempt to come to terms with the demands of life (Leicester,
Modgil and Modgil, 2000:23).

Values education is a necessity in the South African education system because

young South Africans have to be taught how to make choices and take responsible
decisions. Life in South Africa demands tolerance, acceptance, and respect of
others. To be able to tolerate other value systems learners have to be educated and
be helped to understand.

In a plural society where the range of choices is wide, values education becomes
more important. Values education will help learners to see their lives in relation to the
different cultures and communities in which they exist Learners will have their own
cultural identity within which to exercise their choices. Values education is important
because it will help to develop and to articulate the reasons which both satisfy people
and are open to public evaluation for any particular value judgement that can be
made within the institutional framework of human existence (Leicester et al,
2000:23).
ChapterS:
The values issue in the South African context 93

The issue of values in education is probably as old as education itself. Educational

theories have always stressed that idea that education is not only about making
people more knowledgeable, in a strictly intellectual sense, but also about making
people more ready for citizenship in a broader sense. However, the meaning of this
is clearly divergent and sometimes even conflicting, depending on perspective.

Values education should aim at a recognised educational standard which will

introduce a non-competitive goal for students to aim at, a goal that is within the reach
of many more students than is academic excellence (Pritchard, 1988:741).

To avoid discrimination in multicultural schools, educators should know the great

need in teaching values at school. Teachers should be able to work in close co-
operation with parents to ensure that values, which the Ieamer acquires from hisJher
family, are not ignored. Teachers should be models of for instance good character,
respect, responsibility, caring and trustworthiness so that learners can see that
whatever the parents were encouraging at home happens at school. Teachers are
also expected to become involved themselves in community activities by working
together with parents for the wellbeing of the child.

When teaching values, each individual educator at school will be expected to:

• act as care-giver, model and mentor;

• create a moral community;
• create a moral discipline;
• create a democratic classroom environment;
• teach values through the curriculum.
(Barnard et al, 1997:12)

Teachers in multicultural schools should represent parents by caring for each

individual Ieamer; in doing so, teachers should not pay too much attention to one
learner/group and neglect others. Teachers are expected to set examples and to
create a school environment where every Ieamer is accepted.

Teachers in multicultural education should know that values are taught for the
following reasons:
ChapterS:
The values issue in the South African context 94

• to develop a commitment to the values of a pluralistic democracy and to civil and

human rights;
• to nurture a sense of informed responsibility for all fellow human beings;
• to stimulate the development of empathy with other cultures and peoples;
• to foster a positive appreciation of the rich diversity of human cultures and the
willingness to understand each in its own context.
(Barnard et al, 1997:40)

In a multicultural school teachers should create an environment where all values are
recognised, therefore also the specific values. Common human values such as
responsibility and empathy should be recognised in order to teach learners about
unity in diversity.

The curriculum should engage learners in lessons on human character and the ethics
contained in our history and literature without resorting to preaching and crude
didacticism (Ryan, 1993:17).

If multiculturalism is understood in the spirit of cross-cultural understanding and

cultural integration, cultural and value differences will be accepted, and similarities
will be recognised. It is very important in cross-cultural understanding to consider
shared and specific values in South Africa.

The Minister of Education, Professor Kader Asmal, requested in February 2000 the
formation of a working group on values in education and, after a process of research
and debate, the presentation of a formal report of findings and recommendations was
done. It is presented as a starting point in what ought to become a national debate on
the appropriate values South Africa should embrace in its primary and secondary
education institutions (Van Wyk, 2000: 12).

In the report argument is made for the promotion of values such as equity, tolerance,
multilingualism, openness, accountability and social honour in our schools. The
choice of values is framed by three considerations of educational philosophy:

• to develop the intellectual abilities and critical faculties of learners in our schools.
Our schooling system must therefore provide the basis of having informed and
thinking citizens;
ChapterS:
The values issue in the South African context 95

• to accept a democracy which emphasises inclusiveness. This means an

approach which includes the rich variety and diversity in culture, language and
morals of our citizens;
• to provide learners with the tools to solve the many problems that come with
being human throughout the life cycle. Thus the aim is to equip learners with the
skills to treat problems as challenges to be solved through knowledge and
understanding
(VanWyk, 2000:1-2)

Values education in South Africa could help to develop learners who will be able to
think intellectually and critically. Learners will be exposed to the rich variety and
diversity of cultures and values in our country. Values education will further equip
learners in South Africa in problem solving skills, which will enable learners to deal
with many challenging situations in their lives.

In summary values education in South Africa is an attempt to assist learners to

acquire the ability to reflect intelligently on and understand the role of values in
human life, both in personal life and society in general. Thus, the goal of value
education is to teach the student the skill of "reflecting on and understanding the
inevitable value choices and decisions one should make (Woodbridge, Barnard,
1990:57).

There are various approaches to values education, which include value clarification,
moral reasoning, value analysis and values development. Although the approaches
differ, they all have the following characteristics.

• they are child-centred both in their attempts to elicit values statements and
behaviours from learners, and in ways that require children to reflect seriously on
values and value-laden behaviours as life-styles;
• they all assume that many values can and often should be developed from within
an individual (Woodbridge and Barnard, 1990:57).

Every Ieamer has his/her own values. Values education has to start with individual
values so as to enable the Ieamer to know and acknowledge the significance of
individual values in common human values. Values education is encouraging
ChapterS:
The values issue in the South African context 96

educators to focus on helping students to become more consciously aware of their

own values, attitudes and feelings.

In view of the fact that social and personal problems within society are rooted in
value confusion, it is the task of the school to assist young people to identify and
clarify the values rooted in their philosophy of life and to make decisions based on
these values, whilst at the same time taking shared values into consideration
(Woodbridge and Barnard, 1990:58).

5.3.1 Shared and specific values in South Africa

In considering the issue of shared and specific values, shared values are values that
are common to all human beings. In any pluralistic society members need to
recognise the values they share in order to operate harmoniously. Whilst recognising
shared values, specific values should not be neglected. In order to achieve cross-
cultural understanding, members in any pluralistic society need to take cognisance of
shared values.

In South Africa for instance there are many cultural/ethnic groups. The different
cultural/ethnic values need to be respected, but in order to operate as South Africans
a focus is needed on shared values. Values that are common to all cultural groups
should be emphasised and should be taken as values to be shared.

Reflecting on the meaning of the concept of value as set out in chapter 1, there is no
doubt that one values what one likes, admires, and what one considers important in
one's life. Barnard et al (1997:26) see values as:

• a single belief that guides action;

• ideas as to what is good, beautiful, affective or just, and therefore worth
achieving, worth doing, or worth striving to attain. There are standards by which
we determine if a specific thing is good or bad, desirable or undesirable, worthy
or unworthy, or at a point between these two extremes.

The above explanation indicates that values affect our social and personal lives.
Values affect our social lives because we are able to express our feelings about the
ChapterS:
The values issue in the South African context 97

things we admire, esteem and support. Some of these values are common to all
human beings and are therefore shared.

If South Africa is to function effectively and harmoniously, all South Africans should
be encouraged to participate fully in shaping the society within a framework of
commonly accepted values, practices and procedures, whilst assisting the ethnic
minority communities in maintaining their distinct ethnic identities within this common
framework (Leicester & Taylor, 1992:19).

[Link] Specific values

Specific values occur through cultural cognition when an individual or a group is

aware of and thinks about her/his/the group's culture as unique and distinct from
other cultures within a society. Cultural cognition involves the value of knowing,
including both awareness and judgement (Banks, 1988:77).

The value of cultural cognition emphasises that an individual should be strongly

aware of the fact that his/her cultural values are different from those of other cultures.
If an individual grows up with a strong cultural awareness, that individual will build a
strong cultural awareness for himself/herself..

By identifying with a specific group an individual feels part of that group and
intemalises its goals, interests and aspirations as well as its values and standards
(Banks, 1988:77).

5.3. 1.2 Shared values

When we talk about shared values, they are in the first place abstract and
generalised principles of behaviour to which members of society attach a high
esteem or regard. Individuals acquire common values during socialisation (Banks,
1988:75).

La Belle & Ward (1994:120), in trying to define shared values, refer to them as core
values. They define core values as the primary values promoted by a particular
culture and refer to these values as key symbols, focal values, dominant values and
themes. Core values represent the values of the entire society; they are described as
ChapterS:
The values issue in the South African context 98

those patterns of behaviour that have been well defined, institutionalised, and
accepted by a macro-culture. They become the basis for the standards with which
the major institutions of the macro-culture society evaluate their members. These
standards, in tum, become the criteria for giving people opportunities for
advancement and other rewards. Core values are primary values that schools
transmit through a hidden curriculum to generation after generation of students.

Shared values are those values that are common to all human beings. Members of
society recognise shared values, and as a result these values become norms.
Shared values then become macro-values in that society, with which every society
member is guided.

Common human values include among others.

• Cognitive values: For example, truth, impartiality, respect for evidence, clarity,
and accuracy. Respect, as an example, starts when an individual respects
himself/herself, family members, and then goes outside the family system where
a child is taught community and ethnic respect.

• Ethical values: Education is concerned with personal and interpersonal

behaviour. Individual behaviour contributes to how a person behaves with other
people. Some of these values are common to all societies but are interpreted
differently in practice. Such values are for example determination, patience and
courage.

Determination demands responsibility and motivation. It also involves being ready

and prepared to take responsible decisions. Every person should be determined
to take active decisions and be able to account for this action. Ethical values
should enable ethnic groups to perceive themselves as legitimate groups that are
structurally woven into the fabric of social, economic and political institutions in
society (Banks, 1988:137).

• "Civic values. Education is in part a process of initiation into society; therefore it

should also be concerned with civil values such as justice, duty, responsibility and
respect for the law. In this instance also, honesty is part of civic values"
(Barnard et al, 1997:35)
ChapterS:
The values issue in the South African context 99

The group further came up with recommendations on the appropriate values and
mores for the South African education system. These values are:

• equity - the schooling system still struggles to enrol all eligible pupils, fails to
retain the majority of them to secondary school level, and offers them a quality of
schooling which varies from the good to the abysmal;

• tolerance - the report suggests that an approach be developed on how diverse

school populations are to be managed and supported, and that the approach
should be anchored in tolerance. By tolerance the working group means a deeper
and more meaningful concept of mutual understanding, reciprocal altruism and
the active appreciation of the value of human difference. To achieve tolerance
there has to be a truthful discussion of the failures and successes of the human
past, as well as the incorporation of differences in traditions, arts, culture,
religions and sporting activity in the ethos and life of the school.

• multilingualism - the report supports the importance of mother-tongue

education, but also suggests that other languages be included in the curriculum.
They feel that it would be preferable for all South Africans to be trilingual and
suggest among others that English and Afrikaans speakers be expected to
acquire at least one African language as part of their linguistic repertoire;

• openness- this has to do, among others, with the value of being open and
receptive to new ideas, to develop the ability to ask penetrating questions, to
insist on good evidence for arguments; and to be willing to debate ideas in order
to arrive at quality decisions. Thus the report recommends improving the reading
culture of children and the introduction of school-based debating societies;

• accountability - teachers and administrators must be leaders and set the

example, and this positive conduct must be reinforced by the conduct of parents.
To further this, school governing bodies must also become legitimate working
institutions of civil society;

• honour - the report suggests that it is appropriate that the symbols of national
identity and a South African honour be celebrated in our schools. In this respect
ChapterS:
The values issue in the South African context 100

they recommend that the national anthem be taught and sung at schools, at
dignified occasions best defined by the school themselves. They also recommend
that the national flag be displayed in a prominent place in schools.

(Wilmont, Franz, Zubeida, Hermann, Jordan, Krog, Kulati, Khetsi, Leibowitz, Tlakula,
Tuesday, 9 May 2000:7-12)

The school has leaders such as educational authorities, educators and parents, who
should use and explain shared values in order to unite community members into a
cohesive group (Badenhorst, 1993:399).

Educators should inculcate these values onto their learners. Educators at school
should focus on common/shared values such as respect, honesty, punctuality, self-
discipline, responsibility and all the other common human values mentioned above.
Educators should also focus on values such as faithfulness and non-violent
behaviour, which are also human values.

If the above values are inculcated correctly, they can act as useful agents in
minimising social conflict in a multicultural school. These values should not be
practised only at school- they should be encouraged throughout society.

In a multicultural society it is important to also recognise the personal worth and

dignity to which all individuals are entitled. Personal worth and dignity include a
framework of values that all human beings share, and values that are particular to
ethnic groups. Particular values form the core elements of the culture of ethnic
groups. The pressing educational need then is to try to find a way to combine
common human values and particular values. Social harmony in a plural society may
well depend upon the integration of the two sets of values in the life of every
individual. Education can play a key role in developing these values, especially if it is
informed by the principle of multicultural education. Such an education would lay
greater stress on cultural development than on cultural maintenance. Such an
education would not focus exclusively on shared values. A shared framework of
values that all groups could also result in a modification of the norms of all groups
(Basil, 1995:11).
ChapterS:
The values issue in the South African context 101

5.4 CONFLICT IN MULTICULTURAL EDUCATION

Educators in South Africa have to take the existence of a plurality of values into
account, and they cannot neglect the fact that there can be conflict between value
systems. Values could sometimes be the very factor that leads people into conflict.
Education should prepare people to live in a society in which there are different
values in play. The first step will be to understand more about how people's values
can lead to conflict (Haydon, 1997:42).

Conflicts in multicultural education sometimes occur because two people might

adhere to different values especially in pluralistic societies. The conflict between two
people might spread to include more individuals in the classroom.

Any society that is concerned with tolerance and social harmony and with reducing
conflict and building bridges should always aim for social cohesion (Maurice,
1994:21}.

Cultural conflict generally occurs when cultural realities clash. Cultural conflict is
often the result of a confrontation between two or more ethnocentric views. The result
of cultural conflict can vary from minor misunderstandings to large-scale disputes and
confrontation.

Cultural conflicts are likely to occur in multicultural classrooms because the values,
behaviour, knowledge patterns and lifestyles of people differ. Learners and teachers
might not share the same culture.

Cultural conflict in the classroom could have a negative effect on interpersonal

relations. Since some conflict is inevitable, attention should be given to minimising
conflict rather than trying to eliminate it.

In order to inculcate order, peace and stability in a society, common values should be
emphasised in education. These shared values will, in tum, enable learners to
develop respect for human dignity in their society. Multicultural education should
therefore always emphasise shared values.
ChapterS:
The values issue in .tne South African context 102

Racial problems often occur because specific values rather than common human
values are emphasised. It is in this prevailing context of conflict that education is
increasingly expected to function as the single most influential force for improving
social conflict and facilitating orderly social change. Education is expected to play the
most central nation-building role in pluralistic societies (UNISA, 1988:49).

Many schools in South Africa are involved in conflicts because specific values are
overemphasised. In watching television news it is noticeable that these conflicts
occur in institutions that cater for different ethnic groups. An example is the 1997
case of Vryburg High School, which was faced with a very significant conflict situation
when specific values were overemphasised. Community members did not want
learners from other communities, especially blacks, to study at Vryburg High School.
Parents closed the gates to prevent other learners from registering at the school.
Parents of children who were prohibited from entering the school took the matter to
the Minister of Education. The minister had to intervene, as the education policy is
against discrimination in education. The resolution by the minister was that all
learners have a right to choose where to obtain their education.

Specific values should not be used as a source of conflict. They should rather be
used to introduce each Ieamer to a society rich with a diversity of values. Learners
must be aware of the fact that they are free to learn where they want to but each
Ieamer should be prepared to recognise other values and to respect common human
values in a multicultural education context.

To avoid conflict and to develop cross-cultural understanding in multicultural

institutions, parents, learners, educators and other stakeholders should build a
school culture where common human values are taught in all classrooms. Teachers
should:

• understand and interpret the prevailing values of the education system;

• underpin a values education programme by a clear understanding of the values
expected to be sustained by the school as a unit of a national system;
• take into account the values held desirable by the pupils' parents;
• give learners a respectful consideration when they are expressing their views;
• be loyal to the professional values that underlie their role in the process of
educating young people.
ChapterS:
The values issue in the South African context 103

(Gatherer, 1996:6-7)

Educators at school should try to reduce racism and prejudice by considering these
helpful hints (Lemmer & Squelch, 1993:17):

• assign leadership, responsibility and tasks equitable;

• eliminate segregated social and play areas;
• avoid grouping on the basis of gender or race;
• encourage boys and girls to participate in non-traditional activities;
• entertain the same expectations with regard to learning and behaviours for boys
and girls;
• introduce interesting topics on race relations and gender related issues for
discussion;
• develop appropriate curricula;
• develop rules and a code of conduct for pupils

Banks (1999:48) has other suggestions for reducing prejudice in students, which are
almost similar to those stated by Lemmer & Squelch (1993:17). Banks has this to
say:

• Include positive and realistic images of ethnic and racial groups in teaching
materials in a consistent, natural and integrated fashion;
• Help children to differentiate the faces of members of outside racial and ethnic
groups. The best way to do this is to permeate the curriculum with different faces
of members of these groups;
• Involve children in various experiences with various racial and ethnic groups. For
example, use films, videos, children's books, recordings, photographs, and other
kinds of vicarious experiences to expose children to members of different racial
and ethnic groups.
• If you teach in an interracial school, involve children in structured interracial
contact situations;
• Involve children from different racial and ethnic groups in co-operative learning
activities.
Chapter5:
The values issue in the South African context 104

Educators in schools should try to minimise cultural conflict in their classrooms. In

any activity educators should avoid grouping of learners according to race. All
learners' ideas in a group must be respected.

5.5 CONCLUSION

At this stage the education system in South Africa is faced with transformation.
During this period of transformation every individual is expected to change his/her
attitude and work hard for the development of the society as a whole. The education
system needs to be restructured in order to accommodate every Ieamer. Educators,
parents, community members and learners all need to change their attitudes.

All people concerned with education should be involved in shaping the education
system. Educators, community leaders, as well as learners should come together
and make collective decisions. Schools need to be transformed, as they are the first
to be directly involved with learners from different cultural backgrounds and from
different upbringings. Educators are also faced with the problem of integrating
different cultures. As professionals they should handle this dilemma without denying
children the right to believe in their own cultures and values.

It is the duty of educators as well as parents, learners and other stakeholders to

recognise shared values. All people concerned with education should reflect on
common values that are needed for a meaningful life {Badenhorst, 1993:399).
ChapterS:
Bibliography 105

5.6 BIBLIOGRAPHY

Badenhorst, D.C. 1993. Exploring the role of values in formal education: In Critical
Issues in Modem Education. Edited by Dekker, E.l and Lemmer, E.M. Durban:
Butterworths.

Banks, J.A. 1988. Multiethnic education -Theory and Practice. Second Edition.
Boston: Allyn and Bacon.

Banks, J.A. & Lynch, J. 1989. Multicultural education: Issues and perspectives.
Boston: Allyn and Bacon.

Barnard, F., van Niekerk, S.L.H. van Heerden, E.L. Van Niekerk, E.J. 1997. Values in
education. A Study Guide for EDA 302-4. Pretoria: UNISA.

Barnard, F. & Woodbridge, N.B. 1990. Values education: highly suspect of highly
significant. Educare, Vol19(1) & 19(2), p. 57. Unisa Pretoria.

Basil, R. S. 1995. Shared values. particular values and education for a multicultural
society. Educational review, Vol 47(1), p.11.

Cassara B. B. 1990. Adult Education in a Multicultural Society. London and New

York: Routledge.

De Frankrijker, H. 1996. Expert Beliefs About Teacher Training in Multicultural

Perspective: The Multicultural Component Teacher in the Netherlands. Teacher
training and values education. Lisbon: Velente.

Gatherer,.W.A. 1996: Values Education Programmes. Unpublished article.

Grant, C.A. & Sachs, J.M. 1995. Multicultural education and Postmodemism:
Movement Toward a Dialogue. In: Critical Multiculturalism - Uncommon Voices in a
Common Struggle. Edited by Kanpol B & Mclaren P. Westport, Connecticut: Bergin
&Garvey.

Hayden, G. 1997. Teaching about values: A new approach. Cassell Studies in

pastoral care and personal and social education. New York: Cassell.

La Belle. T.J. & Ward. 1994. Multicultural education. Diversity and its impact on
Schools and Society. Albany, New York: University of New York Press.

Leicester, M. and Taylor, M. J. 1992. Ethics, Ethnicity and Education. London:

Kogan Page.

Leicester, M. Modgil, C. & Modgil, S. 2000. Systems of Education: Theories. policies

and implicit values. Volume 1. London: The Falmer Press.

Lemmer, E. M. & Squelch, J. 1993. Multicultural education - A teacher's manual.

London: Falmer Press.

Lynch, J. 1989. Multicultural Education in a Global Society. London: The Falmer

Press.
ChapterS:
Bibliography 106

Lynch, J. 1986. Multicultural education: Principles and Practice. London, Boston:

Kegan & Routledge.

Maurice, C. 1984. Education and Cultural Pluralism. London, Philadelphia: The

Falmer Press.

Mncwabe, M.P. 1990. Separate and equal education. South Africa's Education at
the crossroads. Durban: Butterworths.

Pritchard, I. 1988. Characther education. Research Prospects and problems.

Department of Education. American Journal of Education, Vol 96(4): p. 74. Chicago:
The University of Chicago Press.

Smolicz, J.J. 1979. Culture and Education in a Plural Society. Curriculum

Development Centre. Canbera.

Ryan, K. 1993. Mining Values in the curriculum. Educational Leadership, 51: p.17.

Venter. E, Woodbridge, N.B. & Lebeloane, L.D.M. 1997. Multicultural Education. A

study guide for for EDA 302-4. Pretoria: UNISA.

UNISA, 1998. Tutorial Letter: 000431-G. Pretoria: UNISA

UNISA. 1988. Department of Comparative Education. EDA 302-3. Pretoria: UNISA.

Van Wyk, N. 2000. Education Policy Unit: Communique No 6. Institute for

educational research. Pretoria: UNISA.

Wilmont, J.; Zubeida, D.; Hennann, G.; Jordan, P.; Krog, A; Kulati, T.; Khetsi, L.;
Leibowitz, B.; Tlakula, P. 2000. Values. education and democracy. Report of the
Working Group on Values in Education. Pretoria: UNISA.

Woodbridge, N.B.; Barnard, F. 1990. Values education: highly suspect of highly

significant. Educare, Vol19(1) & 19(2), p. 181.
CHAPTER&

SYNTHESIS AND EVALUATION

6.1 INTRODUCTION 108

6.2 MULTICULTURAL EDUCATION 108

6.3 VALUES AND EDUCATION 110

6.4 THE VALUES ISSUE IN MULTICULTURAL EDUCATION IN

SOUTH AFRICA 113

6.5 CRITICISMS OF MULTICULTURAL EDUCATION 115

6.5.1 Advantages 114

6.5.2 Disadvantages 116

6.6 SUGGESTIONS FOR THE EDUCATIONAL PRACTICE 116

6. 7 CONCLUSION 120

6.8 BIBLIOGRAPHY 122

Chapter&:
Synthesis and Evaluation 108

6.1 INTRODUCTION

The previous chapter focussed on the values issue in multicultural education. Values
were first discussed in general and then the South African society was used as a
point of reference.

Bergh (1993:45) regards education, and multicultural education in particular, as a

route to creating a unified nation-state, instilling loyalty and patriotism, creating a
skilled and professional workforce and stimulating national economic growth. The
curriculum in schools is one of the vehicles for major change.

Multicultural education is used as a means of creating unity and harmony in South

Africa. If South Africans are to unite and work harmoniously, they need to identify
commonalties/similarities in values and cultures. Values such as respect for human
dignity and obedience to elders or authority are common human values. These
values are present in all cultures, but are applied differently at times.

This chapter makes some suggestions for educational practice, such as multicultural
education in state schools.

6.2 MULTICULTURAL EDUCATION

Broadly speaking, multicultural education is the functioning of the education system

in such a manner that it appropriately and rightfully includes all racial and cultural
groups (Lemmer & Squelch, 1993:3).

For the purpose of this study, multicultural education implies different cultures and
value systems in the same school or classroom. Multicultural education focuses on
the understanding and acknowledgement of all cultures and value systems within the
education system.-

Educators must cultivate an environment in the school where every Ieamer will feel
accepted and part of the school. Educators can achieve this by making learners
aware of the similarities between people. It should therefore not be difficult to work
and learn together in one environment comprising different cultures. If learners in
ChapterS:
Synthesis and Evaluation 109

multicultural schools in South Africa could learn to identify common human values
and acknowledge those values that are different, cultural conflicts in South African
schools could be minimised. Learners must be encouraged to gain knowledge, skills,
values and attitudes from other learners and to express their own values to other
learners so as to develop positive intercultural exchanges.

Educators are responsible for transforming their schools into accepting cultural
diversity. By considering the values of all cultural groups within the school cultural
change occurs.

Multicultural education helps to achieve equality in education and understanding of

different cultures in schools, because frequent multicultural group interaction is taking
place and previously excluded groups are included in these schools (Cheatman,
1991:161).

South Africans are beginning to realise the importance of multicultural education.

They are now eager to achieve equity in multicultural schools by incorporating issues
related to cultural diversity in the education planning process. Schools, for instance,
put aside special days for activities related to various cultures.

Multicultural education in schools has provided the opportunity to anticipate and face
new educational changes. Learners from different cultural backgrounds are now
integrated in multicultural schools where discrimination is something of the past
Some schools, however, still need to be transformed.

As Maurice (1984:21) suggests, multicultural education in schools should be

concerned with tolerance and social harmony, the reduction of conflict and the
building of bridges. Teachers, parents and learners in multicultural schools should all
try to enhance social cohesion.

Multicultural education in South Africa should aim at creating, guaranteeing, and

encouraging spaces within which learners will be able to grow and develop.
Aronowitz and Giroux (1993:207) feel that multicultural education creates a space
where communities are able to interact, enrich their existing cultures and create a
consensual culture in which they recognise reflections of their own identity.
Chapter&:
Synthesis and Evaluation 110

Every culture should be recognised in the school situation. The school acts as an
agent for social change because every Ieamer's culture is taken cognisance of whilst
learners are exposed to other cultures. Learners at schools are encouraged to learn
to listen to each other, to try to understand different cultures and value systems in
their environment, and to work together for the betterment of their society.

Teachers in South Africa should become critical in applying practice. Educators

should strive to transform schools in matters such as power relations, interactions
between learners and educators, school ethos, curriculum, attitudes towards minority
groups and cultural tolerance.

6.3 VALUES AND EDUCATION

The definitions of the two concepts "values" and "education" were given in the
previous chapters, but for the purpose of a synthesis and further suggestions in this
study, a definition of the concept of "education" as taken from O'Conner (1969:5) will
be presented. Education is seen as:

• a set of techniques for imparting knowledge, skills and attitudes;

• a set of theories explaining or justifying the use of these techniques;
• a set of values or ideas embodied and expressed in the purpose for which
knowledge, skills and attitudes are imparted and so directing intent and types of
training given.

From the definition of education given in Chapter 1, generally education may be seen
as concentrating on education activities in preparing children morally and spiritually
(though not necessarily in a specific religion). Children should be taught to value
themselves, to respect others, and to participate in and contribute to the welfare of
their society. Tolerance plays a major role in the respect of others (Bergh, Claassen,
1998:13). Education should take learners back to the basics, by teaching them
decision-making skills, critical and creative working skills, and co-operative working
skills.

Values education should therefore be taken as a need to find common human values
and ways of facilitating their realisation. It should be seen as a means of fostering
Chapter&:
Synthesis and Evaluation 111

good character, which consists of knowing what is good, desiring the good, and
doing what is good. Schools then have a responsibility of helping learners to
understand common human values, adopt or commit to them, and act upon them in
their daily lives so as to create harmony in their schools.

Values education is very important because in any educational institutions not all
values could be taught, hence common/shared values are encouraged for proper
understanding in a multicultural education institution.

South Africans can adapt to multiculturalism because of the knowledge, skills and
values imparted to learners through education. The new education system introduced
to South Africans can bring change, development and betterment to the South
African society.

Multicultural education is in place to unite the different cultures existing in South

Africa. The standards, norms, values and expectations of the various cultural groups
should be shared with others through multicultural education. Learners should be
encouraged to co-operate and collaborate with others at school in order to establish
good human relations, and to develop respect and responsibility.

Educators and parents should move away from prejudice when looking at common
values in their schools, as it may lead to social conflicts. As Schoeman (1995:101)
puts it: "Educators should not focus only on racial and cultural value matters that will
show prejudice because all those matters if, concentrated much to, will cause
conflict.

Educators, parents, community members and education planners should act

responsibly and critically regarding the issue of culture and values. Educators are
faced with a challenging task. In assisting learners from different cultural
backgrounds in the same classroom, they should become critical towards which
values they should impart to learners. Educators must avoid prejudice and biases. In
the classroom situation they must understand that each Ieamer has his/her own
values, and those values that are specific to each Ieamer, should be taken
cognisance of. At the same time, each educator must guide learners in the
classroom to function according to commonly accepted human values.
Chapter6:
Synthesis and Evaluation 112

All learners in the classroom should feel accepted and recognised. In a school
situation, educators and learners should abolish unaccepted behaviours such as
racism and other dehumanising social practices.

Learners in South Africa are still confused about certain concepts. They talk of rights,
without being aware of how rights are implied in education. When learners talk about
rights they see it as an opportunity to do as they please. Educators must explain that
freedom implies responsibilities. Responsibility in tum means that one has to be
responsible for one's actions, decisions and ideas to oneself and to others.

Learners in multicultural education should be made aware of and be taught that

freedom demands responsibility of choices and decisions. Learners at school should
be able to clarify their personal values and to adapt to a society where every person
is an equally important member by virtue of his/her common human values
represented by the macro-society. Each individual in a multicultural world is expected
to take part in defining the common human values in our society, and to stand up and
fight for them, if necessary.

As far as education and values are concerned it becomes very important that
educators should inculcate upon their learners the importance of specific or personal
values, as well as common or shared human values.

The following can be recommended regarding education in South Africa:

• When teaching values in schools, educators should avoid prejudice. Educators

must respect and acknowledge the values of all learners. Educators must be
aware of and respect common values. Values, such as respect for human dignity,
are found in all cultures. They are sometimes applied differently.

• When teaching values in the school environment, educators should concentrate

on preparing learners morally and spiritually whilst avoiding dogma.

• Teachers should enable learners to discuss their cultural and value differences.
This will encourage and inculcate the spirit of acceptance and tolerance without
being judgmental.
Chapter&:
Synthesis and Evaluation 113

• In the South African context, multicultural education should focus on the

character- and moral building of learners. Prichard (1988:472) suggests that
character-building involves "courage, tolerance, conviction, generosity, kindness,
honesty, honour, justice, the sound use of time and talent, freedom of choice,
freedom of speech, good citizenship, the right to be an individual and the right to
equal opportunity".

• Teachers in the South African teaching system should restore the culture of
learning. Learners should be made aware of their rights, but learners should also
use their rights correctly. For instance, learners know that they have the right to
be free, but they do not know that with freedom comes responsibility. Learners do
not know that the real development of South Africa rests on them. Learners must
develop a sense of discipline and pride in their work and respect for the
achievement of others.

• Educators need to help learners come to terms with their situation, or teach them
to ad in certain ways to enable them to cope with intolerable situations. In a
classroom situation, for example, learners can disagree in discussions.
Disagreeing does not mean dislike and hatred. Learners must tolerate one
another in different situations.

• Educators should use education as a conscious attempt to help others acquire

the knowledge, skills, attitudes and values that contribute towards more
personally satisfying and socially constructive lives (Kirschenbaum, 1995:14).

• Educators are also faced with the struggle against the rising youth violence,
increasing dishonesty and growing disrespect for authority. To succeed, they
must teach values such as responsibility and co-operative interaction with family
and community.

6.4 THE VALUES ISSUE IN MULTICULTURAL EDUCATION IN SOUTH

AFRICA

In the past, the education system in South Africa only focussed on the values of
certain groups, whilst neglecting the values of other groups. At present, the teaching
of values in multicultural education is still a controversial issue.
Chapter&:
Synthesis and Evaluation 114

In the previous chapters, the issue of specific and shared values was discussed.
Educators, learners and parents should identify the values that are shared in a
multicultural situation. Educators must take note of these values and make learners
aware of these so that they understand the similarities between people. Therefore, it
should not be difficult to work and learn together in one environment comprising
different cultures.

In South Africa schools can play an important role in developing understanding

between different groups. Learners should be taught to acknowledge their specific
cultures whilst accepting cultural value diversity in a society.

Learners should be made aware of both specific and shared values. Their specific
values will help them develop a sense of cultural identity and shared values will make
them aware of other cultures and to respect other people. Common/shared values
encourage learners to co-operate with and to respect other human beings.

6.5 CRITICISMS OF MULTICULTURAL EDUCATION

Multicultural education is a new issue in South Africa and it has its advantages and
disadvantages.

6.5.1 Advantages

• Multicultural education emphasises the importance of each individual in that

he/she knows the similarities and differences between people from different
cultural backgrounds and himself/herself.

• Multicultural education aims at cultural balance (Lynch, 1989:43). The focal point
of cultural balance in South Africa is that South Africans should learn to
understand one another. Learners should, through multicultural education, get to
know different cultures and values and develop skills such as tolerating others,
collaborating and communicating effectively with others.

• Multicultural education emphasises cultural breadth as noted by Lynch (1989:44).

Cultural breadth in South Africa means that the learners' knowledge of cultural
Chapter6:
Synthesis and Evaluation 115

values should be expanded. Learners would then be able to survive in a

multicultural world.

• Multicultural education encourages social equity. This means that every member
of society, regardless of cultural values, should be valued in the same way. All
cultures are equal and there should be neither dominance nor subordination
amongst cultures. Equal opportunities for all learners from different cultural value
systems should be fostered at school.

• Multicultural education as expressed through OBE caters for both the introverts
and the extroverts at school. For example those learners who are shy and do not
feel comfortable when working in groups, are given enough work to do as
individuals and are given the opportunity to express their ideas and feelings. The
ideas and feelings of learners enable the teacher to measure the performance of
learners. The extroverts should be given the opportunity to lead and facilitate in
their groups. All children are catered for in the school because the teaching and
learning methods as well as the activities in multicultural education are designed
for introverts, extroverts and groups.

• Multicultural education encourages cultural and social cohesiveness. This

cohesiveness is obvious when a Ieamer meets another Ieamer who shares
similar cultures. Even though they meet for the first time, they develop a sense of
identity and belonging. Cultural difference is also encouraged. Learners will know
their differences and they will accept each other and become aware of their
differences.

• Multicultural education could lead learners to commitment towards a macro-

culture. This commitment and understanding will tum learners into responsible
citizens of South Africa.

• Learners in a multicultural school will get to know other cultures and this will lead
to the development of a rich diversity of cultures.
Chapter&:
Synthesis and Evaluation 116

6.5.2 Disadvantages

1 According to Maurice (1984:181), a general criticism of multicultural education

is that it fails to confront racial prejudice in the education system and the
wider society, as it is preoccupied with cosmetic changes, curriculum tinkering
and diversionary issues such as culture, identity and self-concept.

2 The curriculum in South Africa should be designed in such a way as to

include all cultures in the education system. It is no easy task to include all
cultures in the actual classroom situation.

Multicultural education acts as an adhesive, binder, or a bridge that brings different

cultures together. It also tries to discourage the tendency of people not to want to co-
operate and work together. Multicultural education in South Africa should bring South
Africans together and introduce harmony into our schools.

6.6 SUGGESTIONS FOR THE EDUCATIONAL PRACTICE

Before making suggestions for the educational practice, Lynch (1986:90) has
extracted some guidelines for multicultural education on policy and practice from
Banks et al (1989). Some relevant points applicable to the South African educational
practice are emphasised:

• permeation of the total school environment by ethnic pluralism;

• school policies and procedures which foster positive multi-ethnic interactions and
understanding amongst students, teachers and other staff;
• reflection in the school staff of the ethnic pluralism of society;
• provision of opportunities for students to develop a better sense of self;
• assistance with understanding the totality of the experiences of ethnic groups;
• promotion of values, attitudes and behaviours that support ethnic pluralism;
• fostering of skills for effective interpersonal and interethnic interactions;
• inclusion of the continuous study of the cultures, historical experience, social
realities and existential conditions of ethnic groups, including a variety of racial
compositions;
Chapter&:
Synthesis and Evaluation 117

• interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary approaches to designing and implementing

the multi-ethnic curriculum
• assistance to students to view and interpret events, situations and conflicts from
diverse ethnic perspectives and points of view.

Though the education act is being implemented in schools, it is important to make

suggestions for the educational practice. Before doing so, it is very important to
briefly focus in this section on the C2005. The OBE approach has the following
important aspects as focus points:

• integration

• holistic development

• relevance

• parl~~afionandownersh~

• accountability and transparency

• learner-orientated approach
• flexibility

• critical and creative thinking

• progression
• anti-biased approach
• inclusion of learners with special education needs
• quality, standards and international comparability

(Senior phase policy document, October, 1997:3)

These principles such as integration, relevance, flexibility and an anti-biased

approach are very important for the multicultural classroom. Educators in
multicultural schools should try to accommodate the different cultures in their schools
and not try to treat these cultures in isolation. Each individual culture should be
respected and considered but at the same time educators should look at how to
relate and integrate cultures in order to emphasise their inter-relatedness.
Chapter&:
Synthesis and Evaluation 118

Nieto (1996:315) emphasises that

multicultural education is not just another subject in the school, but the
responsibility of every subject teacher in the school. A true multicultural
approach should be found in all aspects of school life. It should be part of the
school climate, physical environment, curriculum and relationship among
teachets and students and community. It can be seen in evety Jesson,
curriculum guide, unit bulletin board and letter that is sent home. It can be
seen in the process, by which books and audio-visual aids are acquired for
the libraty... Thus, multicultural education is a philosophy, a way of looking at
the world, not simply a program or a class or a teacher. In this comprehensive
way multicultural education helps us rethink school reform.

The curriculum should be relevant in a multicultural situation, in the sense that it

should include current matters and what learners can observe. The curriculum must
be based on the learners' environment. It must focus on what they witness in daily
life and on what is useful in future. Issues that cause problems must be avoided.

The principle of flexibility should apply both in the activities in class as well as
methods used by educators in the classroom. If an educator feels that a certain
approach does not work for that specific lesson, he/she should immediately shift to
an appropriate one.

In a multicultural education situation the Ieamer should be considered first. Flexibility

should also apply in the sense that learners should be allowed to share their ideas
and opinions freely. Educators as well as parents should respect these id~

Learners should be part of school decisions.

In the classroom practice, educators should take into account the principle of an anti-
biased approach. In multicultural education educators should treat every Ieamer
equally.

Educators should take note of Cassara's (1990:35) ideas when teaching at a

multicultural school. The following ideas are important:
Chapter&:
Synthesis and Evaluation 119

• knowledge of cultures and subcultures, with emphasis on significant minority

groups;
• awareness of how specific cultures shape student responses to schooling;
• minimisation of prejudice and maximisation of tolerance for different cultures;
• adjustment in curricula aimed at promoting non-assimilationist strategies and
values.

The previous chapters emphasised the knowledge and acknowledgement of other

cultures. Educators are ad~sed not to neglect the cultures of minority groups
because these cultures give each Ieamer an identity and sense of belonging. In a
multicultural context, educators should cultivate cultural tolerance in their schools.

The success of any education practice depends on staff development programmes.

These programmes are there to keep educators up to date with changes in the
education system. Even in multicultural societies pre-service and inservice courses
on multicultural education should be offered to educators. Lynch in Modgil (1986:153)
has these suggestions on staff development for multicultural teacher education:

• basic information about ethnic and cultural pluralism

• knowledge acquisition and value clarification about ethnic groups and their
cultures
• how to combat racism
• linguistic knowledge in its historical, economic, cultural and political context
• competencies for perceiving, believing, evaluating and behaving in different
cultural contexts
• skills development in translating 'multicultural' knowledge into programmes,
practices, habits and behaviours of classroom instruction
• competencies in making educational objectives, curriculum content and learning
activities relevant to the experiential backgrounds and frames of reference of all
students,
• skills in achieving learning and teaching style congruency,
• physiology and sociology of ethnicity, including issues of human behaviour and
learning.
ChapterS:
Synthesis and Evaluation 120

Grant (1992:220) has further suggestions to an educator in a multicultural school.

When multicultural education educators are to teach, they must monitor their own
interactions with students and communities to overcome biases and low
expectations. Educators need to use strategies to promote positive interactions in
students. Educators must be ·able to recognise biases in textbooks and other
instructional materials and use the opportunity to discuss those biases. The
curriculum is an area in which most teachers have some control even when it is
mandated by some higher authority.

In his suggestions, Grant (1992:220) has the following guidelines in preparing

educators for multicultural education:

• multicultural education must help students increase their academic achievement

levels in all areas, including basic skills, through the use of teaching approaches
and materials that are sensitive and relevant to the students;
• attention to voice must be part of multicultural instruction
• oral and non-verbal communication patterns between students and teachers
must be analysed to increase the involvement of students in the learning process
• the learning styles of students ·and teaching style of the teacher must be
understood and used to develop effective instructional strategies
• multicultural education must permeate the formal curriculum
• multicultural education must impact the hidden curriculum at all levels including
the organisational structures of the classroom and school as well as the
interactions of students and teachers
• multicultural education must teach students to think critically by allowing them the
freedom to ask questions and the tools to reason, liberating their minds from
unthinking prejudice, and promoting an appreciation for pluralistic democracy
• multicultural education requires an understanding of the cultures and families in
the community
• multicultural education must use the community as a resource

6. 7 CONCLUSION

South Africa as a pluralistic society is faced with a diversity of cultures and values.
Each individual in South Africa should be made aware of these cultures and values in
Chapter&:
Synthesis and Evaluation 121

order to create a situation whereby all cultures are accepted. The school is the only
place where the value of cultural tolerance can be cultivated - especially in a
multicultural education school. Cultural tolerance will further encourage leamers in
every multicultural school to unite, thus making South Africa a unified nation·state.
South Africans will be able to work together as a unified nation. This would put an
end to cultural conflict.

Multicultural education in South Africa should fight discrimination of people living in

the same society. Multicultural education creates a space where different
communities are able to grow and develop at their own pace.

Schools in South Africa should have policy statements on multicultural education that
clearly communicates the commitment to creating and maintaining schools in which
students from both gender groups and from diverse racial, social-class and cultural
groups will have an equal opportunity to leam. The school policy should include a
rationale or justification for multicultural education and guidelines that can be used by
the professional and supportive staff to develop and implement a comprehensive
multicultural education plan.
Chapter&
Bibliography 122

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A SUMMARY OF KEY WORDS IN THE DISSERTATION

Assimilation what encourages confollllity

Common/Shared the values with which all groups agree spontaneously

values

Cultural diversity the presence within one geographical are of a number of different
cultural, linguistic, credal, ethnic or racial groups

Culture knowledge, beliefs, art, laws, morals, customs and any other
capabilities and habits acquired by man as a member of society

Education a conscious purposeful intervention by an adult in the life of a non-

adult in order to make him/her independent

Macro-culture the core culture, which consists of shared set of values and symbols

Micro-culture smaller cultures, which are part of the core, culture

Multicultural is the education of learners from different cultural societies in

education one school

Multiculturalism the existence of diverse cultures in one country

Social enrichment the existence of diverse groups in a society which then enrich the
society with a diversity of cultures

Specific values those values that make one person feel different from the next

Structural pluralism the way in which societies are stratified

Values what members of a community take as important. They drive the

members of a community to live according to certain principles

Value education a conscious attempt to help others acquire the knowledge, skills,
attitudes and values that contribute towards more personally
satisfying and socially constructed lives

Society A broad grouping of human beings with characteristic social

relationship, distinct institutions and collective activities and interests

Community A group of people staying or concentrated in one geographical area

sharing same interests and have common understanding, and have a
group identity
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