Reflections on the concept of interculturality in the current educational debate in Argentina

Abstract

In this paper, we analyze the relevance of intercultural education within contemporary educational debates in Argentina. First, we will review Argentinean legislation. Then, we will discuss the core characteristics of the Argentine educational system in order to study the historical incorporation of indigenous people into the school system. Later, we will explore concrete legislation regarding intercultural education, emphasizing the potential of such legislation as well the limitations. Finally, we will present how our findings connect to the main discussions in the field of anthropology and education.

Keywords:

• indigenous peoples
• intercultural education
• educational legislation
• anthropology
• education

Notes

1. The journals were: Ava; Publicar; Revista Intersecciones; Cuadernos (SEANSO); Cuadernos (Jujuy); Revista Andes; Claroscuro; Historia de la educación –anuario; Runa; Papeles de trabajo; and Revista del Museo de Antropología de Córdoba.

2. Information taken from the educational map of the National Ministry of Education: http://www.mapaeducativo.edu.ar/pueblos_indigenas/

3. In Argentina, the census criterion for identifying indigenous peoples is self-acknowledgment and/or ancestry.

4. Resolution No. 107 of the Federal Council of Culture and Education (FCE 2010a); Resolution No. 549 of the National Education Law (2006); the statement by the National Program of Bilingual Intercultural Education of the National Department of Positive Discrimination Programs, Educational Equality and Quality Undersecretariat of the National Education Law (2006); National Education Law No. 26206 (2006); statement for the Bilingual Intercultural Education Program within the National Educational System of the Federal Council of Education (2010b), and Resolution No. 105 of the Federal Council of Education (2010b).

5. professional technical education, artistic education, special education, ongoing education of youth and adults, rural education, prison education, homeschooling, and hospital education.