Comparative Education : Continuing Traditions, New Challenges, and New Paradigms

At the beginning of the 21st century, new features have emerged within the field of comparative education. Some of these features result from new technologies, while others reflect political transitions and the forces of globalisation. The field embraces new insights on cultures, and scholars are exploring diverse units of analysis.

This book presents perspectives on these changes while noting various continuing traditions. Its contributors come from a wide range of countries and contexts, and present their work within a framework set by the 11th congress of the World Council of Comparative Education Societies (WCCES). The book makes a valuable methodological as well as a conceptual contribution to the field.

Hong Kong and Macao have much in common. The dominant populations in both territories are Cantonese-speaking Chinese; both are small in area; both are urban societies; both have been colonies of European powers; and both have undergone political transition to reunification with China. Yet in education, for reasons that are analysed in this book, they are very different.

The patters of similarities and differences in the two territories make a fascinating basis for comparative study.

The overarching theme of the book, on continuity and change is particularly pertinent following the transition of the two societies of the postcolonial era.

This thoroughly-revised and expanded second edition builds on the widely-acclaimed first edition. The work has been recognised as a significant contribution to the broad field of comparative education as well as to study of the specific societies which are its main focus.

Mark Bray is Chair Professor of Comparative Education at the University of Hong Kong.

Ramses Koo is a Senior Lecturer at the Hong Kong Institute of Education. Both have long experience of research on education in Hong Kong and Macao; and both are active in professional societies concerned with comparative education.