Enriched Science

The Adoration of Western Education in Eastern Societies

Growing up in England with deep family ties in Hong Kong, I have observed the widespread adoration of Western education among Eastern societies. We often had ‘aunties’, ‘uncles’, and family members come to study. We didn’t live far from a university and we often had international students board at our house. These interactions connected me to my culture and international study was normalised even for teenagers. Now as a mother, the thought of sending my children to boarding school, in another country, would be heart wrenching. Reflecting on this as an academic in higher education, I witness firsthand the continual influx of Chinese students coming to British universities, driven by a deeply embedded mindset that Western education is superior.

This personal experience has led me to explore why the East adores the West and how we can address this ingrained perception.

Historical and Cultural Background

Colonial Influence

The roots of this adoration may lie in the colonial past, where Western powers imposed their culture, language, and educational systems on colonised countries. This created a perception of Western superiority that persists today. Colonial education systems were designed to create a local elite that would support colonial rule, further entrenching the idea that Western education was superior. This can be seen in India, Singapore and Hong Kong.

Cultural Imperialism

Even after the end of formal colonialism, cultural imperialism continued to spread Western ideals through media, literature, and global institutions. This has perpetuated the belief that Western education, culture, and values are the gold standard. For example, in India and China, luxury brands are often modelled by White people.

Beyond Education Quality

Class and Status

In many Eastern societies, Western education is synonymous with high social status and upward mobility. It is not just the education itself but the prestige associated with attending Western institutions that drives this phenomenon. This status is often linked to better job opportunities, higher social standing, and international recognition.

Connections and Networks

Western education provides access to powerful global networks, opening doors to international careers and business opportunities. The alumni networks of prestigious Western schools often include influential figures in various fields, reinforcing the perception of their value.

Cultural and Linguistic Capital

Proficiency in English and familiarity with Western cultural norms are highly valued in global business and academic environments. Western education is seen as the best way to acquire these skills, which are perceived as essential for success in a globalised world. This often comes at the expense of the rich, diverse cultures and languages of the students’ home cities.

The Role of Capitalism

Consumer Culture

Western brands and media have effectively marketed the desirability of Western lifestyles, including education. Aspirational advertising portrays Western education as a pathway to success, influencing the choices of parents and students in the East.

Economic Aspirations

In a global economy, a Western degree is often seen as a ticket to better job prospects and higher salaries. This economic incentive drives families to invest heavily in Western education, despite the availability of high-quality local alternatives.

The PISA Paradox

The Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) provides a useful lens through which to examine the quality of education systems worldwide. Countries like China, Singapore, and Hong Kong consistently outperform Western nations in PISA rankings. For instance, in the 2018 PISA results, China ranked first in reading, mathematics, and science, while Singapore and Hong Kong were also in the top ranks. In contrast, the UK and the US ranked significantly lower, highlighting a paradox: despite higher PISA scores in the East, there remains a strong preference for Western education.

PISA Scores 2018 Highlights:

• China: 1st in reading, mathematics, and science
• Singapore: 2nd in reading, mathematics, and science
• Hong Kong: 4th in reading, mathematics, and science
• United Kingdom: 13th in reading, 18th in mathematics, 14th in science
• United States: 13th in reading, 37th in mathematics, 18th in science

This discrepancy indicates that the preference for Western education is not based purely on educational quality as measured by PISA but on broader perceptions of what Western education represents in terms of holistic development, critical thinking, and cultural capital.

Potential Solutions

Recognising that the problem originates from the West and colonialism, we need solutions that address these root causes and shift global perceptions.

Decolonising Education

1. Curriculum Reform: Integrate local history, culture, and values into education curricula worldwide to counteract the dominance of Western perspectives.
2. Inclusive Education Metrics: Develop global education metrics that value diverse educational approaches and reduce inherent Western biases.

Promoting Local Education Systems

1. Investment in Local Schools: Increase funding for local education systems to improve infrastructure, teacher training, and curricula.
2. Highlighting Local Successes: Promote success stories of individuals educated within local systems to shift perceptions and build pride in local education.

Cultural Re-Education

1. Media Representation: Increase the representation of local cultures and achievements in global media to counteract Western cultural dominance.
2. Public Discourse: Encourage open discussions about the impacts of colonialism and cultural imperialism on education to raise awareness and promote critical thinking.

Global Collaboration and Exchange

1. Educational Exchange Programs: Foster equal exchange programs between Eastern and Western institutions to promote mutual understanding and respect.
2. International Conferences: Host international conferences in Eastern countries to spotlight local education systems and share best practices.

Economic Policies

1. Local Industry Partnerships: Strengthen partnerships between local industries and educational institutions to align education with local economic needs.
2. Scholarships and Grants: Provide financial support for students to study locally, making local education more accessible and competitive.

Conclusion

Addressing the adoration of Western education means recognising its roots in colonialism and cultural imperialism. By promoting local education systems, decolonising curricula, fostering global collaboration, and shifting cultural perceptions, we could work towards a more equitable and inclusive global education landscape. This is about challenging and changing a global ideology that has long favoured the White education systems at the expense of diverse cultures and perspectives.