Public Evolution Education and the Rise of the Creationist Movement in Brazil

• In Event: The Nature and History of Science in Science Education: Philosophies, Spirituality, Controversies, and Curriculum

Abstract

The Brazilian socio-cultural context has changed drastically with the advent of anti-evolution forces in various political and educational spheres. Here, we examine the current state of evolution education and the rise of the creationist movement in Brazil in recent years. More specifically, we analyze current educational policies such as the National Curriculum Parameters for Secondary Science Education, commonly used curricula (high school biology textbooks), and publicly available resources (media reports, organizational websites, previous studies, etc.). Additionally, we provide a historical account of how larger societal forces such as religion and politics have overtime shaped the Brazilian educational landscape with the goal of better understanding not only what evolution education in Brazil is like but also how it came to be.

Authors

• Alandeom W. Oliveira, University at Albany - SUNY

• Kristin Leigh Cook, Bellarmine University