Power and Privilege: Mapping Imagined Communities in Japan’s English Medium International Schools
Journal Title: European Journal of Teaching and Education - Year 2024, Vol 6, Issue 3
Abstract
This paper explores the commodification of education and the reinforcement of hegemony through international English Medium schools in Japan, positioning them as gatekeepers to imagined communities of global elitism. Over the past decade, Japan has seen a surge in international schools, driven by the global dominance of the English language. The institutions, which were initially established for expatriate elites, now cater to affluent Japanese and Asian families. This paper examines the high costs, selective admissions, and marketing strategies of these schools to illustrate how they commercialize education, perpetuate class divisions, and uphold cultural dominance. The literature suggests that English Medium U.K. and US model international schools in Japan symbolize access to elite Western power structures, reinforcing social stratification and the marginalization of those within Japan unable to afford such education. This study employs theoretical frameworks of imagined communities, hegemony, and cultural capital to analyze the broader societal implications of these schools. A systematic review of relevant academic literature, complemented by a comparative analysis of tuition fees, was conducted to deepen the understanding of the relationship between education, power, and social identity in contemporary Japan. By doing so, it aims to foster a more inclusive and equitable educational environment.
Authors and Affiliations
Palmer Attias
Keywords
Related Articles
- EP ID EP743385
- DOI https://doi.org/10.33422/ejte.v6i3.1265
- Views 94
- Downloads 1
Evaluating Literacy Curriculum: Making Sure Elementary Students Learn to Read
Reading problems for adults and school-age students have significant and varied costs. Existing as an illiterate citizen in the United States has monetary consequences such as living expenses, career relevance, and socie...
Parental Effectiveness and School Counselling in Elementary Education
Parenting today is as challenging as ever. People grow into their parental role, and develop their parenting skills as they counter challenges and apply daily routines in response to their childrenâs needs. Parental ef...
A Human Centred-Design Approach to a Serious Game in Health Training for the Open University of the Unified Health System (UNA-SUS/UFMA) in Brazil
A serious game is a media based on the narrative of a game focused on learning. The narrative of a game brings elements and mechanics that motivate the participation and engagement of the players. This is because games a...
Dispositions of Technological Knowledge in Teacher Candidates – An Analysis of Predictors
In this paper, the impact of broader and more specific dispositions on technological knowledge (TK) in teacher candidates is analyzed. TK is the fundament on which the technological pedagogical and content knowledge (TPA...
Moral Development in Adolescents as A Key Indicator for The Prevention of Violent Behavior in Their Couplesâ Relationships
Dating violence is a multidimensional and cross-cultural problem that in the last decade has extended worryingly to teenage age. The consequences are so serious and lasting over time that they cause serious psychological...