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Education and Multi-Cultural Cohesion in the Caribbean:the Case of Belize, 1931 - 1981 | 
 enlarge | Author: Peter Hitchen
Publisher: Lulu.com
Category: Book
Buy New: $31.48
New (2) Used (2) from $31.48
Rating:  1 reviews
Sales Rank: 186560
Media: Paperback
Pages: 458
Number Of Items: 1
Shipping Weight (lbs): 1.6
Dimensions (in): 8.9 x 6.3 x 1.2
ISBN: 1411654536
Dewey Decimal Number: 972
EAN: 9781411654532
ASIN: 1411654536
Publication Date: October 30, 2005
Shipping: Eligible for Super Saver Shipping
Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours
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| Editorial Reviews:
Product Description
The thesis of this book is concerned with the British neglect of education in Belize and the emergence of increased tensions between church and state, from the twin catalysts for social change of the 1931 hurricane and economic depression until independence in 1981. This conflict has revealed a contradictory web of power structures and their influence, through the medium of schools, on multi-cultural development. The fundamental argument is that despite a rhetoric-of-difference, a cohesive society was created in Belize rooted in the cultural values propagated through an often contradictory church,state education system, and that Jesuit supremacy of Belizean education came too late to unsettle or exploit the grass root forces of cultural synthesis. Racial conflict in Belize is more a matter of habitual rhetoric and superficial.
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| Customer Reviews:
"a touch of humanity beyond the typical historical book" December 14, 2005
Writer
Gloomwing Review by David W. Hoffman - Author
Dr. Peter Hitchen's Education and Multi-Culturial Cohesion in the Caribbean: The Case of Belize, 1931-1981 presents an interesting perspective on the history of Belize and its peoples. To better understand the significance of this thesis I did a search on Amazon for other history books on the subject of the Caribbean and in particular Belize. I found little that the public can easily obtain and I found this a bit disturbing. Every person, in every country, has the right to have their history recorded and easily accessible, especially in this day and age with the power of the Internet available to nearly everyone.
Taking this into account the information presented in Dr. Hitchen's book is invaluable to anyone researching the history of the Caribbean or in particular Belize. In fact, there is so much information presented that this reviewer found it hard to digest it all.
The book begins by referencing events between 1838 -1931 to help build historical context for the events following 1931. Thereafter the era between 1931 and 1981 is focused on, bringing into forefront the effects of the lacking education system, conflict between church and state, the impact of "The Great Hurricane" of 1931, and finally the independence of Belize. What I found most interesting is the inclusion of excerpts from actual interviews Dr. Hitchen has conducted with citizens of Belize. This adds a touch of humanity beyond the typical historical book and helps to bring to life the history of Belize.
However, it is important to note that the level of writing demands a good vocabulary, Dr. Hitchen has included a glossary for the more obscure terms, and the complexity of the writing demands patience in sifting through the wealth of information presented. Moreover, I do believe this thesis is best suited to the college and graduate level student. But don't let this stop you from exploring the book if you have an interest in Belize, just be aware that you are purchasing a doctoral thesis and not a high school history book.
With the wealth of information contained in this thesis, the quality of writing, and presentation this reviewer has given the book five stars in nearly every category. If you have an interest in the history of the Caribbean or Belize then this book is well worth the investment.
(provided by the author) from the gloomwing website
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