Hunter-Gatherer Children at School: A View From the Global South

Review of Educational Research • Vol/Iss. 95(4) • Sage Journal • • Published In • Pages: 661-700 •
By Ninkova, Velina, Hays, Jennifer, Lavi, Noa, Ali, Aishah, Macedo, Silvia Lopes Da Silva, Davis, Helen Elizabeth, Lew-Levy, Sheina

Abstract

This study uses targeted literature surveys to explore why hunter-gatherer children in the Global South have much lower participation in formal schooling compared to other marginalized groups. Reviewing through various literatures, the article hypothesizes that cultural values of autonomy, combined with economic, infrastructural, and social barriers, conflict with the hierarchical structure of the formal education systems. Their review finds that while schools threaten the transmission of traditional knowledge and languages, communities also see them as potential sources of empowerment. The article concluded by emphasizing that hunter-gatherer groups themselves should determine the role and value of schooling for their children. No formal hypothesis tests were made.

Samples

Sample Used Coded Data Comment
eHRAF World CulturesResearcher's ownLimited to hunter-gatherers
OtherLiteratures gathered through other sources

Hypotheses (9)

HypothesisSupported
Children with high autonomy will likely have the desire to receive formal education.Partial Support Claimed
Children with high autonomy will more likely drop out of their formal education.Partial Support Claimed
Children in hunter-gatherer societies will more likely face financial barriers to participating in schools.Partial Support Claimed
Children in hunter-gatherer societies will more likely face infrastructural barriers to participating in schools.Partial Support Claimed
Children in hunter-gatherer societies will more likely face social barriers to participating in schools.Partial Support Claimed
Children in hunter-gatherer societies will more likely face cultural barriers to participating in schools.Partial Support Claimed
Coercion and corporal punishment will likely affect the behavior of children.Partial Support Claimed
The assimilation of the new values acquired at schools will likely affect the personal autonomy/social relations of the children in hunter-gatherer societies.Partial Support Claimed
Formal education will likely lead to the loss of languages for children in hunter-gatherer societies, because of language erosion.Partial Support Claimed
Documents and Hypotheses Filed By: jonathan.zhang