Greek National Identity and the Greek Education System in the Age of Austerity

Maria Chalari Maria Chalari,Thomas Georgas Thomas Georgas

doi:10.52634/mier/2016/v6/i1/1451

Maria Chalari Maria Chalari, Thomas Georgas Thomas Georgas

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.52634/mier/2016/v6/i1/1451

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Abstract

This paper critically reviews discourses of Greek national identity and the role of the Greek education system first in a historical perspective and then in the current climate of economic crisis in Greece. It also discusses the reason why teachers and schools are key to tackling growing discriminatory social attitudes. The preceding nationalistic discourse and the historical forms of nationhood and education in Greece might help us unravel the difficulties Greek national identity faces in the current era of economic and humanitarian crisis and uncertainty with regard to the European Union project, its evolution, its struggles, the nature of its challenges and tensions, and the empowerment of its ethnocentric and racist sentiment.

Highlights

In the last few years, major political and economic changes have swept through Greece
The purpose of this paper is to discuss Greek national identity and the role of education first in a historical perspective and in the current climate of economic crisis in Greece, as well as to discuss the reason why teachers and schools are key to tackling growing discriminatory social attitudes
The severe budget cuts and the savage measures adopted by the Parliament have led workers nationwide to stage strikes, closing airports, government offices and schools; Greeks to rally in central Athens to denounce politicians, bankers and tax dodgers; and a large number of Greek people to abandon the country and emigrate in search of better working and living conditions to the USA, Australia and other parts of Europe

Summary

Maria Chalari and Thomas Georgas

This paper critically reviews discourses of Greek national identity and the role of the Greek education system first in a historical perspective and in the current climate of economic crisis in Greece. It discusses the reason why teachers and schools are key to tackling growing discriminatory social attitudes. The preceding nationalistic discourse and the historical forms of nationhood and education in Greece might help us unravel the difficulties Greek national identity faces in the current era of economic and humanitarian crisis and uncertainty with regard to the European Union project, its evolution, its struggles, the nature of its challenges and tensions, and the empowerment of its ethnocentric and racist sentiment

INTRODUCTION

THE EDUCATIONAL CONTEXT

THE EMERGENCE OF GREEK NATIONAL IDENTITY

Findings

GREEK NATIONAL IDENTITY IN THE AGE OF AUSTERITY