Toward a Postcolonial Mind-Set in a Postcolonial World? Modern Imperialism in Belgian History Textbooks (1970–2017)

• In Event: Marriott Roundtable Session 6
  In Roundtable Session: Comparative Education Through Historical Analysis

Abstract

This paper focuses on evolving historical representations of modern imperialism (mid-19th century-1960s) in Belgian secondary school history textbooks since 1970. It examines to what extent the textbook accounts take a Western/European perspective, or also pay attention to the perspectives of and sources produced by the colonized/indigenous people, and attribute them agency. The diachronic and synchronic qualitative narrative content and discourse analysis draws on an innovative theoretical ‘intercultural contacts model’, that distinguishes four frameworks through which modern imperialism as a form of intercultural encounter can be approached. The analysis instigates reflection on fruitful ways to deal with modern imperialism in classroom practice. Especially the communication- and interaction framework appears to be very helpful, on a historiographical, civic (identity-building) and educational-didactical level.

Author

• Karel Van Nieuwenhuyse, University of Leuven