Sustar 1 Lauren Sustar LBST 2102-H73 Robert Arnold 9 May 2013 Globalization in Africa: Modern Education Versus Traditional

Culture The process of globalization is occurring around the globe and taking its toll on people of all nations and ethnicities. The effects of globalization are being felt by countless individuals, especially citizens of developing, third world countries. Many of the poorest countries in the world are found on the continent of Africa. Needless to say, Africa is unquestionably undergoing globalization both politically, economically, and, last but not least, culturally as well. Globalization is defined several different ways by various people. Manfred B. Steger defines it in his book Globalization: A Very Short Introduction as the expansion and intensification of social relations and consciousness across world-time and world-space. Globalization can be separated into three main categories: political globalization, economic globalization, and cultural globalization, although many times these can be subdivided further and may even overlap. Cultural globalization is most likely the easiest to observe in a customary setting. This has to do with many aspects from language, to religion, to dress, and more. In most countries in Africa, the traditional culture significantly contrasts that of more advanced countries such as the United States or European countries. For example, many African women dress in handmade, brightly colored outfits with large, eye-catching designs. Some of the children wear only a shirt or no clothes at all. In America, most everyone wears clothing that has been sewn together by a machine in another country overseas and children wearing no clothes would most definitely be

Sustar 2 viewed as abnormal. African culture is generally more laid back in regards to time as well. In modern, developed countries, time is of the essence and everyone is trying to reach their destination as quickly as possible. However, in Africa, not even the bus runs on a schedule. It leaves when enough people arrive to fill it. Tradition is more highly valued by Africans as well, and ancient rituals regarding milestones in a persons life are still carried out today. So many areas of life are affected by globalization, education included. Over the last couple decades, the number of Africans receiving primary education has increased (by 40% from 1999 to 2005 in sub-Saharan Africa). Unfortunately, as the population grows, schools are running out of room and teachers are becoming more and more in demand. However the education system has come a long way from merely preparing children to take their place in the traditional society, and is moving towards preparing the younger generations to compete with more developed countries. An increase in primary education is driving the increase in demand for secondary education. Although tertiary education is still scarce, it has still become more available and more prevalent recently. This increase in education conflicts in some cases with the traditions and customs many Africans have followed for numerous years. As these children are being taught to keep up with the rest of the world, they are arguably being pulled away from their heritage and a way of life exclusive to their people and their identity. Camara Laye, an African native from the village of Koroussa in French Guinea, writes about his struggle between modern education and traditional society in his book The Dark Child. Growing up, Laye was a part of several rituals and ceremonies considered sacred to his people. He participated in the traditional practices regarding rite of passage and coming of age. However, when it came to education, he was not like all the rest. Laye attended school as a child, first the Koran school and later the French. He excelled in his studies and at the age of 15

Sustar 3 he left his village and traveled to Conakry to live with his uncle and attend the Ecole Georges Poiret, also known as the Technical College. At first he was disappointed in the college as he felt he already knew everything the students were being taught. He wanted to go further. He wanted to be more than a laborer in a workshop or a forge. Thankfully the school was reorganized the following year and he continued his studies there. Leaving his family and his friends was quite a struggle for Laye. However, this was not the last time he would leave them. The director of his school in Conakry offered him the opportunity to travel to France to further his studies, and Laye decided to go. When he told his mother, she was angry at first and bitter towards him for wanting to leave her. But in the end she knew he would go, and that it was right for him to go. His place was no longer in the village. Layes life transitioned from following the traditions and the culture of his people to furthering his modern education and following the path of globalization. No doubt many Africans have followed this same path and become more westernized in the process. In years to come, the culture of some African nations may be completely replaced by that of the West and cherished African virtues and values could be lost. No culture is perfect and African culture has its flaws just like they all do. Therefore cultural borrowing is inevitable and can have positive effects such as the rise in education and literacy. However, the reason and motivation behind acculturation should remain dependent upon the rational needs of the society. Unfortunately not all the norms of the westernized lifestyle are culturally harmless. For instance, Africa traditionally cherishes respect for elders, extended family system, modesty, and abstinence until marriage. Violation of these virtues is highly frowned upon. In the west though, breaking these statutes is the normal way of life and this is becoming more and more common amongst Africans as well. Although Africa has gained

Sustar 4 much from the West, such as scientific and technological advances, it may be losing some of its positive cultural aspects such as determination and commensalism. Africans depend on one another and expect nothing in return from helping extended family except that they too shall receive help when they are in need. Their culture in many aspects is one to be mirrored around the globe, not extinguished by the fast-paced, modern globalization of the west. Globalization has been a part of this world since the beginning of time. Some have felt its impact more than others, but it has taken its toll on all peoples at some point in history. Although education is essential and should continue to be furthered, especially in developing countries, one could argue that it draws more of the younger generation away from tradition and more towards the modern ideas of much of the world. Again for modern technological advancement of a country, higher education is a very positive aspect. But the morals and virtues that come along with this, or even those that do not, are what contribute to the negative effects on such countries. If a nation is considered behind, according to globalization and the modernized countries, it should attempt to catch up and become a true competitor in the global society no matter what it takes. Quickness and efficiency are the goals of modernization, because these lead to more money and more power. In many cases, modernization and globalization have brought about many advancements and positive effects on the countries they impact. However, globalizations effect on culture and values that make up ones identity could be considered a step back in some cases. If only Africa could rationally select the aspects of western culture that benefit its nations, it would be in a much better position. If Africans cannot learn to make such decisions to benefit their culture, their heritage and identity could become swallowed up by globalization and the modern world.

Sustar 5 Works Cited Camara, Laye, James Kirkup, and Ernest Jones. The Dark Child. New York: Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 1954. Print. Precious, Obioha U. "Globalization and the Future of African Culture." Philisophical Papers and Review 2 (2010): 1-8. Academic Journals. Web. 8 May 2013. <http://www.academicjournals.org/ppr/PDF/pdf2010/April/Obioha.pdf>. "Regional Overview: Sub-Saharan Africa." United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. N.p., n.d. Web. 8 May 2013. <http://unesdoc.unesco.org/images/0015/001572/157229e.pdf>. Steger, Manfred B. Globalization: A Very Short Introduction. 2nd ed. New York: Oxford UP, 2009. Print.