Education for Humanity: A Challenge within Globalization

By Anita Abbott.

Published by The International Journal of the Humanities

Education has been a site of struggle. It has provoked one of the most fundamental debates of our time because the purpose of education is no longer for educating human beings but is for the creation of economically centered beings. Some might argue that the real meaning of education for humanity in the era of globalization has been lost. It is argued that in the reality of globalization, the educational system has reflected business interests. Education becomes increasingly a commodity. As it becomes increasingly competitive, education serves those who can afford to pay.
The real meaning of education as a basic human right within globalization and the aim of education have recurred in much literature. Some might argue that education should be accessible to all citizens. The aim of education, in spite of the prevailing competitive climate, should champion humanitarian values. It means that education should involve love and respect for one another. Education should also edify students and encourage them to develop courage, and consciousness of social justice.
Within globalization, educating humankind with humanitarian values is a challenge. One crucial question emerges; “Can education become an instrument for realizing and implementing humanitarian values?” This paper seeks to deal with the issues of education in globalization by discussing the humanitarian aims of education, and exploring the issues of trade in education.

The International Journal of the Humanities, Volume 5, Issue 7, pp.223-228. Article: Print (Spiral Bound). Article: Electronic (PDF File; 487.047KB).

Anita Abbott

PhD candidate, Department of Development Studies, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand