Dilemmas of Culture in African Schools

Cati Coe's Dilemmas of Culture in African Schools examines Ghana's educational efforts to foster national culture, revealing tensions between local traditions and state narratives.

In her insightful work, Dilemmas of Culture in African Schools, Cati Coe explores the complex relationship between education and cultural identity in Ghana. The nation has embarked on numerous social engineering projects aimed at fostering a sense of nationhood, with a significant focus on creating a national culture through its educational system. Coe highlights the paradox that arises from these initiatives: while Ghanaian educators are encouraged to teach local cultural traditions, these traditions undergo a transformation in the classroom setting, leading to a version of culture that is both objectified and nationalized.

Coe delves into the limitations imposed by the state on the teaching of cultural knowledge, revealing how these constraints affect the dynamics within local social organizations. The book examines the tensions that emerge as Ghanaians navigate the competing influences of nationalism and Christianity. This struggle is reflected in the authority relations among various groups, including teachers and students, Christians and the national elite, as well as between children and elders. Through her analysis, Coe raises critical questions regarding educational processes, state-society relations, and the production of knowledge.

Dilemmas of Culture in African Schools not only sheds light on the educational landscape in Ghana but also invites readers to consider the broader implications of cultural curricula on the formation of national identity. By examining these intricate dynamics, Coe contributes to our understanding of how education shapes citizenship and cultural consciousness in contemporary Ghanaian society.