Transformative agendas and educational demands in the British and Dutch overseas territories of the Caribbean

Thomas, E. and Clegg, P. (2016) Transformative agendas and educational demands in the British and Dutch overseas territories of the Caribbean. In: Jules, T. D. (ed.) The Global Educational Policy Environment in the Fourth Industrial Revolution: Gated, Regulated and Governed. Bingley, England: Emerald Group Publishing Limited. pp. 241-264.

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Item Type:	Book Section
Abstract:	There are several small territories in the Caribbean that have not yet gained their independence and remain under the control of a metropolitan power. These include the territories governed by the United Kingdom (UK) and the Netherlands. This chapter analyses the way in which education policy and reform are enacted in these quite unusual circumstances – with pressures and influences both from the territories and their respective metropoles. The chapter is constructed around two interlinked parts. The first considers the broader political and economic relationships that exist, and the place that education has within them. Both the UK and the Netherlands use language, such as, “partnership,” “prosperity,” and “renewal” to describe their approach to the territories, including in relation to the education sector. However, both governments have used different mechanisms to facilitate change – the British have a slightly more detached approach, while the Dutch are more hands-on. This has important implications for the way in which education is managed in their territories and the consequences that result – and these issues are explored further in the second part of the chapter. By focusing particularly on the Dutch BES (Bonaire, Saint Eustatius, and Saba) islands and Bermuda (a UK Overseas Territory), the chapter traces the contours of recent education reforms, and evaluates the advantages and disadvantages of the particular approaches taken. The more flexible approach of the UK is perhaps preferable, but here too concerns are raised about neocolonialism and the lack of sensitivity when it comes to local norms and practices.
Subjects:	L Education > LA History of education > LA410 Other regions or countries > LA476 Caribbean Area
Creators:	Thomas, Emel and Clegg, Peter
Editors:	Jules, Tavis D
Publisher:	Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Faculties, Divisions and Institutes:	University Faculties, Divisions and Research Centres - OLD > Faculty of Education & Humanities > Education, Children and Young People Faculties > Faculty of Education & Humanities > Education, Children and Young People
Date:	22 October 2016
Date Type:	Publication
Page Range:	pp. 241-264
Title of Book:	The Global Educational Policy Environment in the Fourth Industrial Revolution: Gated, Regulated and Governed
Series Name:	Public policy and governance
Volume:	26
Place of Publication:	Bingley, England
Number of Pages:	294
Language:	English
ISBN:	9781786350442
DOI:	https://doi.org/10.1108/S2053-769720160000026009
Status:	Published / Disseminated
Refereed:	Yes
URI:	http://nectar.northampton.ac.uk/id/eprint/9395

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