SOCIAL STEREOTYPES AND POLITICAL IDEOLOGY – ASPECTS REFLECTED ON THE HISTORY TEXTBOOKS

Abstract

Problem Statement: The paper proposes a theoretic approach regarding the education in Romanian society, especially from the communist regime until nowadays. This study is focused on the „action” of the political regime in the field of education and the ”ideological tools” which are used for that. We analyzed in this respect the history textbooks which were edited during the communist regime to be used in the secondary and higher education institutes. Purpose of Study:The study starts from the premise that the politic regime of 20th century used the school textbook as an ideological tool to influence the social attitude. The texts, notions, supplementary lectures, examples, pictures and exercises are modalities that „teach” students about how it is good to act or not, to think and feel, even if the teacher does not intend to focus on them. As a consequence, the school textbooks need to be analyzed from the political intentions.Research Methods: Our paper is based on the examination and comparison of the history school textbooks edited during Romanian communist and post communist regime.Findings: The paper identifies the social stereotypes which occur in contexts of the history school textbooks. On the other side, the paper proposes some notices focused on the understanding of the social stereotypes role in the students’ education. It is argued that the social stereotypes in the education process have a „teaching role” which influences both the social relation and the relation between society and State. In addition, the paper contributes to understand the importance to be prevented and eliminated all attitudes which are based on prejudices and social stereotypes. For this reason, we think our paper is a real support of the actual theoretical and practical concerns about the modern and equitable social principles. Our notices can contribute to increase the quality of human interactions, to social responsibility and to promote a correct social attitude in any societies.