Citizenship education in postcolonial settings
An exploratory study in the Caribbean Netherlands
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 21725686 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Nerija Pang-Montroos (University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands), Joana Duarte (0000-0002-4842-6719, University of Groningen, The Netherlands, corresponding author) |
| Year | 2025 |
| Publication date | 2025-09-20 |
| Peer Reviewed | Yes |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | European Journal of Educational Research (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 1474-9041 • E-ISSN: 2165-8714 |
| Publisher | SAGE Publications (PUBLISHER • US) |
| DOI | 10.1177/14749041251370878 |
| OpenAlex | W4414374518 |
| Language | EN |
| Citations received | 1 |
| References cited | 11 |
Schools in the Netherlands, including those in the Caribbean Netherlands (Bonaire, St. Eustatius, and Saba), are required to incorporate citizenship education into their curricula. These islands, which became special municipalities of the Netherlands in 2010, present unique challenges in implementing citizenship education within postcolonial contexts. This study explores how citizenship education can be adapted to align with the local living environment, opportunities, and perspectives of Caribbean students, while promoting social justice. Using a qualitative approach, 17 semi-structured interviews were conducted with teachers, school leaders, and policymakers. Thematic analysis revealed that citizenship education in the Caribbean Netherlands is not yet systematically integrated into curricula or learning goals. Instead, related themes are compartmentalised within subjects like history and social studies, often following Dutch guidelines. Many participants found the concept of ‘citizenship education’ unfamiliar. The current focus is on fostering societal and civic knowledge, yet there is a clear need for more structured guidelines and support to implement citizenship education effectively. Additionally, the findings highlight the importance of developing a context-specific vision for citizenship education that reflects the unique postcolonial setting of these islands, ensuring it resonates with the lived experiences and aspirations of Caribbean students
Citizenship · Citizenship education · Curriculum · Exploratory research · Focus group · Global Citizenship Education · Qualitative research · Semi-structured interview · Thematic analysis · Global Education and Multiculturalism · Global Educational Policies and Reforms · Tourism, Volunteerism, and Development
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Achieving Integration in Mixed Methods Designs—Principles and Practices
Global citizenship education, technology, and being
Imagining the Nation in the Classroom
Global Citizenship
Qualitative research methods for the social sciences
Questioning Participation and Solidarity as Goals of Citizenship Education
Citizenship Education and Diversity
Chanting Down the New Jerusalem
| Unique citing works | 1 |
|---|---|
| Citations per year | 1 |
| Citation span | 2026 - 2026 (1) |
| Citation velocity | current |
| Highly cited | No |
| Citation types | Neutral: 1 |