The educational relevance of two thinkers for 21st century society - Tsunesaburo Makiguchi in Japan and Mahatma Gandhi in India
[Thesis]
Sharma, Namrata
Institute of Education, University of London
2006
Ph.D.
Institute of Education, University of London
2006
This thesis questions the use and relevance of two dissident educators of the twentieth century in their respective educational institutions today: Tsunesaburo Makiguchi (1871- 1944) in Japan and Mahatma Gandhi (1869-1948) in India. Makiguchi's ideas are studied with an emphasis on the documents of the Soka Schools in Tokyo and Gandhi's ideas are analysed through concentrating on the documents of the Ikeda Centre for Value Creation (ICVC) in South India. This thesis argues that both Makiguchi and Gandhi have generated significant socio-political changes both at home and abroad. Although, within education there is a tendency for their ideas to be interpreted according to the philosophy and life-style of the institutions in which their ideas are invoked. This thesis also points out that instead of a literal adoption of their ideas there needs to be an engagement with their strategies, beliefs, and behaviours as citizens of their respective countries. This thesis consists of eight chapters. Chapter one offers the analytical framework of this thesis. Chapters two to four place both thinkers historically and study the conceptual foundations of their values. Chapter five engages with the changing values of present day Japan and India. Within these changes, chapters six and seven investigate the use and influence of Makiguchi's and Gandhi's ideas in their respective educational institutions and national contexts. Chapter eight ends with suggestions for future research.