Individualism and Individuality in American and Japanese Early Education: A Review and Critique.

Y

18

Cultural Differences; Discipline; Early Childhood Education; Foreign Countries; Group Instruction; Individualism; Individualized Instruction

0195-6744

Examines different cultural understandings of the individual that underlie Japanese and U.S. educational practices. Reviews existing literature on early education and the self in Japan and suggests the need for a distinction between individualism and individuality, with Japanese education tending toward a focus on individuality and U.S. education toward individualism. Explores implications of this distinction for educational practice. Contains references.(SM)

2002

EJ634047