Myth, Identity, and Conflict: A Comparative Analysis of Romanian and Serbian Textbooks - Hardcover

Segesten, Anamaria Dutceac

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0739148656 ISBN 13: 9780739148655

Publisher: Lexington Books, 2011

Synopsis

Myth, Identity, and Conflict: A Comparative Analysis of Romanian and Serbian Textbooks, by Anamaria Dutceac Segesten, is an examination of how history and politics became entangled in Romania and Serbia. In it, Segesten asks questions like: Is myth present in the history textbooks of Romania and Serbia? If so, are there differences in the ways these myths define the in-group and the relationship with the Other between a country that experienced interethnic conflict (Serbia) and a country that did not (Romania)? Do textbooks affect the odds that conflict will occur?

Segesten's findings confirm the presence of mythologized versions of the past in the history textbooks of both countries over the entire fifteen-year period studied (1992–2007), despite claims for professionalization of textbook-making. Myths of noble origins, of heroism and victimhood, appear in both cases. Segesten finds the language to be ideological and in favor of the ethnic majority, even if over time there is a slow tendency towards moderation (especially in Romania), probably due to the influence of the European Union. Ultimately, Myth, Identity, and Conflict, by Anamaria Dutceac Segesten, questions the alleged power of history textbooks to make a difference in ethnically divided societies prone to conflicts.

About this title

About the Author:

Anamaria Dutceac Segesten is a postdoctoral fellow with the Centre for Modern European Studies at the University of Copenhagen.

Review:

This book disputes boldly the wide-spread view that history teaching in schools can have an impact on conflictual ethnic relations. Theories of national myths, constructions of identity, narratives and conflicts melt together with an impressive empirical material into an eloquent and accessible prose. This book is valuable reading for all those with an interest in the relationship between school education and the management of ethnic conflicts, as well as for those who are keen to learn more about the Balkans. (Barbara Törnquist-Plewa, Lund University, Sweden)

How far have school history textbooks actually contributed to ethnic conflict in the Balkans―and how much can they condition reconciliation, democratization, or societal transformation? Anamaria Dutceac Segesten has written a fascinating comparison of Romanian and Serbian history textbooks that raises important questions for policy makers, funding organizations, educationalists and historians, not only with respect to the Balkans but in relation to Europe more generally. A real contribution to a fast-growing field. (Wendy Bracewell, University College London)

A provocative and thoughtful book, based on an extensive empirical data collection, significantly adding to the theoretical connections between collective identity, political myths, education, and conflict. It makes a great contribution to the scholarly knowledge about a region of Europe known for its problematic relationship with a traumatic past. A superb scholarly achievement with real policy implications.
(Vladimir Tismaneanu, University of Maryland, author of Stalinism for All Seasons: A Political History)

About this edition

• Publisher: Lexington Books
• Publication date: 2011
• ISBN 10: 0739148656
• ISBN 13: 9780739148655
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 314