Representation of cultural patterns of individualism and collectivism in primary school textbooks

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this study is to analyse the content of primary school textbooks in Iran for their cultural values and characteristics, based on the individualism-collectivism dimension. Six primary school Let’s Read Persian (LRP) textbooks were assessed using quantitative content analysis using two lists of individualistic and collectivistic values and cognitive tendencies derived from previous literature. The results showed that Iranian LRP textbooks emphasised themes of individualism, such as self-direction, success, and happiness, and manifested individualistic cognitive tendencies, such as focusing on central objects, making dispositional attributions, and expressing positive emotions. The findings suggest that Iranian LRP textbooks tend to teach children to be independent, strong, self-reliant, and unique individuals, rather than interdependent, cooperative, and harmonious members of a group. The implications of these findings for the education system and the cultural identity of Iranian students are discussed.

KEYWORDS:

• Culture
• individualism
• collectivism
• textbooks
• content analysis

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

This study received no financial support.

Notes on contributors

Afsaneh Alizadeh

Afsaneh Alizadeh is PhD student in curriculum at the University of Tabriz. Her research focuses on Cultural studies in Education and Curriculum, and teaching styles.

Firooz Mahmoodi

Firooz Mahmoodi is an Associate Professor of Curriculum Studies at the Faculty of Education and Psychology, University of Tabriz, Iran. His research interests include curriculum design, problem-based learning, educational technology, STEM, and intercultural education.

Yousef Adib

Yousef Adib is a Professor of Curriculum at University of Tabriz. His research focuses on curriculum planning principles and theories, Teaching methods and techniques, and research methods. He currently serves as the Dean of Educational Sciences Faculty at University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran.