Hidden Curriculum
Why is money
always involved in some form or another?
Initially, cultural domination was based on the economic stability of a
class within a society. Cultural
hegemony initiates cultural norms. In
order to dominate populations within a society, a higher ruling class imposes acceptable
practices through the use of institutions and beliefs. By doing so, the societal group creates their
own culture and meets both social and economic needs. A certain hierarchical group guides the
masses to believe in their ideals and support them by physically
complying.
In education,
a critical pedagogy gives its group the ability to act upon acquired knowledge
carefully guided by movements (Freir,1998).
It connects teaching and learning.
I was a pedagogy teacher in college.
It was kind of like student teaching.
My music students only came in contact with me. However, weekly I would meet with my professor
and report any observations needing attention.
It was a very creative and informative way of learning for me. No textbook could compare with the knowledge
gained so quickly by critical feedback and encouragement. It was a much more refined way of learning
while teaching. I do need to note,
however, that the professor was extremely instrumental in defining my own
teaching style. Therefore, when
preparing certain societies to develop norms and think alike, those involved in
the curriculum can impose their own beliefs and values (Flank, 2007).
The separatist
movement and Civil Rights are two examples of the assimilation of cultural
compromise. For example, violence
experienced between Moslems, Hindus, Catholics, Protestants, Jews and Nazi
clashes have been witnessed by leaders sitting safely on the front porch of
democracy. Ethnic and racial relations
are the target of many leaders who attempt to explain complex problems among
these groups.
Combining
minority groups with majority groups to form a new group, introduces a new
culture. With the balance of a shared
vision along with charismatic leaders, multitudes of people can be turned from
prejudices, become lenient, respect diversity, and make a positive change or do
the opposite. Because public schools are
able to educate the majority, it is extremely important for school leaders and
writers of curriculum to consider how their influence the actions and beliefs
of its population.
I found a
definition recently that simply stated a minority group as having limited
access to rewards of a society based on ethnic or racial characteristics. This is astounding. It resonates with me personally because I
have often wondered why certain groups have limited access to country clubs,
equestrian sports, competitive swimming, golf and tennis, gifted education, magnet
school registration restrictions, and housing areas because of our society’s
hidden curriculum or agenda. Ethnic
sports stars, celebrities, and accomplished scientists are changing norms
deemed by a society who devoted its efforts towards Americanization. This generation is experiencing a new set of
standards. Tolerance and diversity is
not just limited to race or ethnicity. Handicapped,
octogenarians, recovering patients, bilingual, and migrant populations are producing
role models who one-by-one dispel preconceived perceptions of their
limitations. Much to the dismay and
excitement of our societal demands, the Melting Pot is finally melting…
References
Flank, Lenny (2007). Hegemony
and Counter-Hegemony: Marxism,
Capitalism, and Their
Relation to Sexism, Racism,
Nationalism, and Authoritarianism. St. Petersburg, Florida: Red and Black
Publishers. ISBN 978-0-9791813-7-5. OCLC 191763227
Freire, P. (1998). Pedagogy of Freedom: Ethics, Democracy,
and Civic Courage. Maryland:
Rowman
& Littlefield.
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