Answer to Question #217173 in Sociology for Xitshembiso

Question

The influence of changes in the south African context on curriculum by referring briefly to the most important economic, social and political forces (20 marks)

Answer 1

Following a study of overall educational changes in South Africa, the opinions of principals of historically African schools on societal change and how their schools were responding in terms of curricular reform were examined. The case study, which took place in the Pietermaritzburg district of KwaZulu-Natal, investigated the social environment of opportunity and restriction. A new curriculum for a "New South Africa" was achieved. The most noticeable aspect of principals' viewpoints was a stark contrast between progressive educational and political rhetoric and adherence to new right thinking about efficiency, expert-driven systems, and funding. The fundamental conservatism of principals and the restrictions surrounding their status in African schools imply that significant curriculum change in a democratic South Africa will be difficult to achieve.